Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year 2025 winner revealed

Georgia Blessitt, a student at the Royal Academy of Music from Leeds, has been named the winner of the 2025 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year.

The final took place at the Sondheim Theatre in London, where Blessitt was selected from a shortlist of 12 finalists. She receives a £1,000 prize and will headline her own cabaret performance featuring songs by Stephen Sondheim. Runner-up was Rigby Edwards, a third-year student at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, who receives £500.

Each finalist performed one song by Stephen Sondheim and one piece chosen from a catalogue of new musicals, an initiative led by The Curious Case of Benjamin Button composer Darren Clark to support new British musical theatre writing. This format was introduced at Sondheim’s request to promote the development of new work alongside the performance of his own songs.

The final was hosted by Rosalie Craig. Jenna Russell served as chair of judges, with musical director Nigel Lilley selecting the 12 finalists and two reserves from over 300 submissions. The judging panel also included Clark, Clare Foster, Nigel Harman, Catherine Jayes and Laura Pitt-Pulford.

The final was directed by Hannah Chissick and featured an ensemble from the National Youth Music Theatre.

This year’s finalists were Hasia Akwaboah, Sophie Anne Baker, Blessitt, Becky Bush, Maria Collins, Jamie Cushion, Edwards, Hudson Harden Scheel, Georgie Lagden, Ella McLaughlin, Lotte Pearl and Nimi Spiff. Jess Pratley and Dominic Wood were named as reserves.