Although my first show with BMYP was in 2013, I had known about the group for a few years before that. I was originally involved in a junior theatre group called Minis. Both BMYP and Minis rehearsed at the same school and had show weeks around the same time in the same theatre in Filton. During one of those show weeks, a few of us from Minis managed to sneak into a performance of Aladdin, and I was mesmerised. The set, the costumes, the choreography — and the singing — it was all incredible. I knew then and there that I wanted to be a part of BMYP when I was old enough to move on from Minis.
Auditions were always nerve-wracking for me, and I was on the shy side, so it took a while before I built up the courage. But in 2013, I finally took the plunge — and although it was scary, I knew I had made the right decision. From my first rehearsal for Evita, you could feel the octave shift — and Viki made sure you knew it. The level of dedication she brings to pushing us outside our comfort zones, trying new routines, and exploring different styles of dance (tap was my favourite!) is incredible.
I was with BMYP from 2013 to 2016 and loved every second of it. To this day, I’m still best friends with people I never would have met if I hadn’t joined. Some of us went on to train professionally in the arts, but I took a different path. After I aged out of BMYP and finished college, I actually got into university — but decided this wasn’t the right time and instead went travelling for a month around Europe with another BMYP member.
After a few different jobs, I landed a role at a law firm as a receptionist. From there, I became a legal secretary, then a senior paralegal, and now I’m a trainee lawyer — just three exams away from becoming a fully qualified property lawyer. My job today is very client-focused, involving high emotions, tight deadlines, and a lot of hard work. I honestly believe that my time with BMYP helped shape the way I approach clients, handle stressful situations, and understand what it takes to deliver great results. The discipline, the dedication, and the team spirit — not just from us kids on stage, but also from the parents cheering us on, driving us to rehearsals, and building the sets — it all left a lasting impression.
BMYP wasn’t just about theatre. It was about life skills, confidence, and community — and I’ll always be grateful to have been a part of it
