Haslingden Teenager Triumphs at Rossendale's Got Talent Competition
Young singer Sylvie Knightley experienced a moment of pure astonishment when her name was called as the winner of the prestigious Rossendale's Got Talent contest. The talented 14-year-old, who is a student at Haslingden High School and Sixth Form, is now deeply immersed in rehearsals for her next significant performance. She will be taking on the iconic lead role of Roxie Hart in the beloved musical Chicago.
A Budding Star with a Passion for Performance
Sylvie is currently studying music and drama alongside her other GCSE subjects, with a clear ambition to build a career in musical theatre. She has a thoughtful backup plan, expressing a desire to become a teacher if her stage dreams do not materialise. Her musical talent runs in the family; her father, Dorian, is a pianist. Together, they composed the music and lyrics for a song featured in Haslingden High School's production of The Witches. They also perform together in a band named The Second, where Sylvie takes centre stage as the vocalist.
The Road to Victory at St Mary's Chambers
The Rossendale's Got Talent competition was expertly organised by St Mary's Chambers in Rawtenstall and presented in partnership with Rossendale Radio. During the grand final, Sylvie captivated the audience and judges with her renditions of 'The Wizard and I' from the musical Wicked and 'As The World Caves In' by Matt Maltese.
Reflecting on her win, Sylvie said, "There were so many people there, it was a shock and I never expected to win." She described a particularly special moment during her performance of 'The Wizard and I', when she noticed fellow contestant Alex Spencer singing along. In response, she began singing directly to him, creating a memorable connection on stage.
Overcoming Doubt to Claim the Prize
As the announcements were made, Sylvie watched as the third and second places were awarded to dancers Olivia Howarth and Isobella Grace, both of whom she described as "amazing". With such strong competition, she genuinely believed the £250 first prize would go to another talented dancer. "I thought never in a million years will it be me," she admitted, making her eventual victory all the more sweet and surprising.
Dedicated Training and Previous Stage Experience
Sylvie's commitment to her craft is evident in her extensive training. She attends the Dramallama performing arts school and has been taking dedicated singing lessons since she was nine years old. Her qualifications are impressive; she is currently at Grade 4 in Musical Theatre, with plans to take her Grade 6 exam soon, and she also holds a Grade 3 in Piano.
Her stage experience is already considerable. As a member of the Prestwich Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, she played the role of Sandy in Grease at The Met in Bury last year. Now, she is channelling all her energy into rehearsals for her starring role as Roxie Hart in Chicago, which will be staged at The Met from March 18th to 20th.
Embracing a New Acting Challenge in Chicago
Sylvie is particularly excited about the acting opportunities her new role presents. "I feel I will get more of an opportunity to act with my role as Roxie than I did as Sandy, which was more of a singing role," she explained. The part also demands significant dance skill, including a major dance number with her co-star playing Velma Kelly. To prepare, Sylvie attends dance and jazz lessons at the Rossendale Dance and Drama Centre in Waterfoot, as well as street dance classes with Dance Like No-one's Watching in Rawtenstall.
The Power of Song and Story
At the heart of Sylvie's passion is a simple love for singing and performance. "I just like singing. I feel like when you are singing on stage, you can express yourself differently," she shared. "Especially with musical theatre, because you can put yourself into a role and stand in someone else's shoes, which can help you understand other people; I feel it helps with empathy." This profound connection to storytelling through music and theatre fuels her ambition and drives her continued success in the local arts scene.
