College to the West End

College alumnus and West End star imparts some valuable advice to our second and third year musical theatre students.

Philip Town, on a break from performing in Kinky Boots at London’s Adelphi Theatre, re-visited the storied halls of Arden School of Theatre at our Nicholls Campus to deliver workshops on technique and choreography to our current students of musical theatre. Having kept in contact with his tutors since graduating, Philip found it easy to reconnect with the college. On a break from performing in Kinky Boots, schedules allowed Philip to engage with our students through delivering workshops at our Nicholls Campus.

Philip secured a professional agent following a graduate showcase in London and, since graduating in 2010, has performed on the Strictly Come Dancing TV show and tour, pantomimes including Snow White, Peter Pan and Jack and the Beanstalk, as well as seeing the world as part of a dance troupe on board the cruise ship Azura.

Philip says his three years at the Arden put him in good stead for a demanding career on stage, equipping him with the skills to devise his own choreography and develop new ensemble pieces. “The benefits of acting through song blocks and working scenes were invaluable for treading the boards in the West End,” says Philip.

As far as advice goes, Philip is clear: “Stay focused, stay driven and stay passionate.”