A teenager from Saffron Walden, Lydia White, is one of the 12 student finalists from top drama schools across the country to compete for this year’s Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year.

Lydia, 18, who is taking her A Levels at Hills Road in Cambridge, will perform on Sunday, May 17, at The Garrick Theatre in London’s West End. She already has a place at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow for a three-year course starting in September.

The former Saffron Walden County High pupil was put forward by her teachers at her Sunday drama school, West End Masterclass, and got through the audition to sing in the West End in front of judges from the industry including singer, actress and broadcaster, Elaine Paige.

Lydia will sing Loving You by Stephen Sondheim and One Man, a new song written by Nick Butcher and Michael Matus, which is itself shortlisted for a best new song award.

If Lydia wins, she will receive her award from the actress Julia McKenzie who is patron of the Stephen Sondheim Society.