Top Hat Student Success
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Phoebe Clarke, and Scarlett Rose Fontana
A huge congratulations to Phoebe, and Scarlett, who have successfully auditioned for a place at the prestigious BOA Academy in Birmingham. They will begin their full-time vocational training this September, taking the next exciting step towards their future in the performing arts.
We are so proud of their hard work, talent, and dedication, and we can’t wait to see all they achieve in this next chapter of their journey.
Well done, girls. Your Top Hat family is cheering you on all the way.
Yvie Moore
We’re incredibly proud of Yvie, who is currently performing as Jane Banks in the UK tour of Mary Poppins – a magical role in one of Cameron Mackintosh’s most iconic productions.
Before joining the tour, Yvie completed two professional contracts in London’s West End as Alice in Matilda the Musical, showcasing her incredible talent, dedication, and love for performing.
Touring the country and performing in such prestigious productions is a remarkable achievement for this young star, and we couldn’t be prouder to support her on her amazing journey.
Keep flying high, Yvie – the stage is truly yours!
Lola McCourtie
Meet Lola, one of our exceptionally talented students, who has just finished dazzling audiences in London’s West End as Young Tina in Tina Turner: The Musical.
Her remarkable journey began with standout performances as Lavender in the West End production of Matilda, and she continues to shine on stage, demonstrating the incredible opportunities and achievements possible for Top Hat students.
Lola’s dedication, passion, and professionalism are an inspiration to everyone around her, and we are immensely proud of all she has accomplished so far. We cannot wait to see where her talent and hard work take her next in her performing journey.
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Lola Gendoo Ruby Mae Fontana and Scarlett Smart
We are absolutely delighted to announce that Ruby, Lola, and Scarlett have all successfully auditioned for a place at the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School in London. Gaining a place at such a renowned institution is a huge achievement and a reflection of the girls’ dedication, talent, and hard work over many years of training here at Top Hat.
Everyone at Top Hat is incredibly proud of their achievements. Watching our students chase their dreams and take bold steps into the wider performing arts industry is what our school is all about. We cannot wait to see everything they accomplish as they take this next big step in their training.
Ella Tweed
Ella has just finished performing in Mamma Mia! in London’s West End while also rehearsing for the upcoming UK tour of Matilda. Her impressive career began as a child, with West End credits including The Wizard of Oz at The Palladium, Lavender and Amanda in Matilda, and Veruca Salt in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Now making her West End debut as an adult, Ella continues to shine as a versatile and accomplished performer.
A former Top Hat student, Ella was awarded a full scholarship to Sylvia Young Theatre School while still continuing her training with us. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and can’t wait to follow her next chapter
Aaron Jade Morgan
Aaron Jade began her journey at Top Hat Theatre School, honing her talents before continuing her studies at the prestigious Guildford School of Acting. Now, she's living her dream in London's West End, currently appearing in Les Misérables, where she is performing as part of the Ensemble and understudying the role of Eponine.
This incredible achievement for such a young woman is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
We couldn't be more proud.
Emily Spence
Emily has recently returned from two exciting seasons performing at Global Village in Dubai, where she was also based. Still actively working in the industry and currently auditioning, Emily brings invaluable first-hand experience to our students, inspiring them with her knowledge, passion, and professionalism. We’re delighted to have her teaching and covering classes at Top Hat until her next adventure begins.
Louie Albuery
Louie has recently completed the UK tour of Elf the Musical, where he had the incredible opportunity of playing the role of Michael. This exciting experience has been a huge achievement for him, showcasing his talent and dedication to performing. We are so proud of Louie and can’t wait to see where his journey in the industry takes him next.
Daisy Humpherston
Daisy is our third student who has successfully auditioned for Tring Park School of Performing Arts.
Daisy will be joining the Performance Foundation course. The "triple threat" course.
What a wonderful opportunity for this young lady.
Daisy was also in the Kilworth House production of Carousel choreographed and directed by Nick Winston.
We look forward to see what lies ahead... we are so proud Daisy.
Maya Rajaram
Maya was part of the cast of Les Miserables whilst on tour in Milton Keynes. where she played the role of Young Eponine, beating hundreds of young children to the role.
And what a musical to be making your professional debut with.
So proud Maya. Keep up the good work.
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Oliver Finnegan
Oliver is an exceptionally talented performer and one of our most accomplished former students. Awarded the prestigious Andrew Lloyd Webber full scholarship to Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, making him our second student in as many years to receive this incredible honour.
His impressive career spans stage, screen, and international productions. Oliver recently completed LOVE with the National Theatre, performing in both the New York production and European tour alongside his sister Amelia. He has also filmed in Scotland for the hit TV series Outlander, playing Lord William Ransom.
In the West End, Oliver has performed in Sam Mendes’ production of The Ferryman at The Gielgud Theatre, as Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and in Husbands and Sons at the National Theatre. Earlier, he held two contracts as Eric in the West End production of Matilda.
Oliver has appeared in several film and television projects, including Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Creeped Out, and the BBC drama Man in an Orange Shirt. Most recently, his new film The Watchers has been released, in which he plays one of the leading roles alongside Dakota Fanning.
Oliver’s extraordinary talent, dedication, and professionalism make him a true inspiration for all our students, and we cannot wait to see where his journey takes him next.
Rory Finnegan
Following on in his brother Oliver's footsteps, Rory gained the role of Eric in Matilda the musical in London's West End, taking over where his brother left off,
We are super proud of you Rory.
Rory has also filmed several commercials which has taken him all around Europe filming. What an experience for such a young performer.
Amelia Finnegan
The third member of this super talented family is the young Amelia, who has just finished the New York and European Tour with the National Theatre no less, in their production of LOVE joining her brother Oliver who was also on the tour. Visiting NY, Austria, Italy, Germany and France.
Not bad for an 11 year old! Well done young lady.
Jay Jay Prince Lothian
Jay Jay played the leading role of Young Simba in London's West End production of Lion King.
Before this wonderful opportunity, he appeared as the Young Michael Jackson in Thriller Live, (West End).
This led to a European tour in this role too travelling all over Europe.
Jay Jay has also starred in several commercials including British Gas and Tesco back to school.
High Five Jay Jay.
Joseph Duffy
Joseph has quite the CV for such a young man! He played the role of Michael Banks in Mary Poppins in London's West End
He was also in both seasons at Kilworth House in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and St Bernadette’s Team as ‘Cute Joseph’ in Nativity! This then led to being asked to continue with Nativity the Musical on its UK tour and West End run.
Joseph has also starred in several commercials and short films for McKenna Management. We are so proud of Joseph and his accomplishments.
Keep up the hard work Joseph. We are all so proud.
