Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year 2025

By Jack

It may have been a Sunday in London, but the talent on display made it feel like we were in the presence of a very full company.

Last night was a beautiful reminder of the incredible legacy Stephen Sondheim left behind—and just how far-reaching his influence continues to be. From the moment the finalists took to the stage, it was clear we were witnessing a new generation shaped by his brilliance.

Hosted by the ever-charismatic Rosalie Craig, the evening brought together twelve finalists (selected from over 300 submissions!) under the watchful eyes of a stellar judging panel, chaired by Jenna Russell, alongside Clare Foster, Nigel Harman, Catherine Jayes, Laura Pitt-Pulford, and musical director Nigel Lilley.

Huge congratulations to Georgia Blessitt from the Royal Academy of Music, who was crowned the 2025 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year—what a talent.

Standout performances included Lottie Pearl’s rendition of Everybody Loves Louis and Hudson Harden-Sheel’s heartfelt Love, I Hear. And just when we thought the night couldn’t get any more magical, we were treated to an exclusive first listen of a brand-new, unreleased song from Schmigadoon Season 3—Sondheim spirit through and through.

An inspiring, emotional, and joy-filled night that proves, once again, the world is still turning to Sondheim for truth, heart, and song.