Lucy Parfitt
Music, Sound Production & Drama
Performing Arts: Drama
“I’ve really enjoyed my course, it’s great to focus on drama rather than everything, like when you’re at school.”
17-year-old Lucy Parfitt has had a passion for musical theatre since she was just five years old. Set to complete the Performing Arts: Drama course soon, Lucy has already achieved a huge goal – to sing in London’s West End!
Lucy went to St. Margaret’s School for Girls in Aberdeen, before joining NESCol last year. Although she drifted towards a potential career in marine biology, she decided to follow her heart and study drama.
After leaving school at 16, Lucy didn’t feel ready to move away from Aberdeen to a performing arts hub, like Edinburgh or London. She said: “I had the feeling that I still had more to learn, and I needed time to identify what skills I needed to work on. College was the best option for me.
“I’ve really enjoyed my course, it’s great to focus on drama rather than everything, like when you’re at school. I can’t pick a favourite moment; I’ve liked all of it so far!”
As well as her studies, Lucy is part of two local theatre groups, Aberdeen Youth Music Theatre (AYMT) and Castlegate Theatre Company, and is regularly performing in shows. She has also recently competed in the UK’s biggest youth musical theatre competition, West End Calling, where she made it to through three rounds to the final in London’s West End.
She said: “My lecturers and classmates at college have been so supportive throughout the competition. The course has allowed me to build my confidence in the past year, which has helped me push through and apply for opportunities like this.
“My friends convinced me to enter West End Calling and I’m so glad they did. The competition has been incredible and the feedback from the panel has really helped me improve my performances.”
Next year, Lucy is planning to continue her studies at NESCol with the HND in Performing Arts course.
She said: “Once I’ve completed my HND, I would like to apply for the musical theatre course at the MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh.
“Musical theatre is what I want to do with my life, and after university, I will hopefully start my career in the industry. My dream roles are Persephone from Hadestown or Dee Dee Allen from The Prom.”
Photo credit: West End Calling