A TALENTED young performer from Alexandria has reached the grand final of a national musical theatre singing competition.

Mark Morrison, 12, is one step from victory in West End Calling, having been selected for the final by West End stars from hundreds of hopefuls from across the UK.

The audition journey has seen Mark sail through a private audition and two heats in front of an audience: one in Manchester, and the semi-final at London’s Stockwell Playhouse earlier this year.

So far, he has wowed stars of the stage Scott Paige (Made In Dagenham, Eugenius, The Addams Family), Daniel Buckley (The Book Of Mormon, Eugenius, Loserville) and Emily Tierney (Wicked, The Wizard Of Oz, Ghost the Musical) to earn his spot in the prestigious final.

He has been captivating his audiences with his rendition of the song ‘Electricity’ from hit West End musical Billy Elliot.

And Mark says he is “so excited” for the big day on Sunday, May 27, as 24 finalists from across the UK make their way to musical theatre icon Andrew Lloyd Webber’s newest theatre, the Other Palace.

Mark, who attends drama school in Glasgow and is also part of Alexandria music school Singer Station, said: “I love the buzz of performing to an audience and like making people smile.

“I have loved getting advice from the West End judges both on stage and speaking to them afterwards. It’s been really helpful.”

According to his mum Mhorag, Mark’s musicality is still a hobby for him at this stage – yet he has been taking the competition well within his stride.

Mhorag told the Reporter: “He’s been singing and dancing since he was three. He also plays the bagpipes.

“He just enjoys it. He’s laid back, he doesn’t get nervous because there’s no pressure on him.

“It’s exciting, and it’s experience as well.”

Mark will be performing in the junior final section of the competition for nine to 15-year-olds.

He will be taking to the stage in front of a packed audience of industry professionals, agents, casting directors and members of the public.