A BANGOR boy stole the spotlight recently when his singing won him the chance to share the stage with a West End starlet.
Ruairidh Hunter competed in the inaugural National Performance Awards at the MAC Theatre, in Belfast, over the weekend, showcasing his singing and dancing skills.
The 14 year-old, who has ambitions to break into the world of performance, was first in the 13-14 solo singing competition with his rendition of For Her, from the Broadway show The Great Gatsby.
This gave him the chance to sing once again for the opportunity to land one of two chances to perform on stage with West End and Broadway starlet Kerry Ellis, for one night of her tour this autumn.
Following four stunning performances from the winners of the different age categories, Ruairidh was successful as one of two winners to be given this amazing opportunity.
His mother, Charlotte, said Ruairidh has studied dance from the age of six and is currently attending Bangor’s Beats Studios NI for jazz and contemporary dance, and Laura Walker’s ballet school in Holywood.
She added that he has achieved distinction in his Grade 7 LCME Musical theatre singing examination earlier in June under the tutelage of Susan Adgey.
Ruairidh also attends The Avenue Arts Academy in Belfast and Clear Voices speech and drama classes.
The proud mother said the win had come as a surprise to her son, who is ‘very humble’ about his abilities.
“The competition is run by a choreographer called Ryan Jenkins, who was a dancer in Wicked, and was held in the MAC,” Charlotte explained.
“Saturday was a day of dance. So there was jazz, ballet and contemporary. Then Sunday was a singing day, where they had to sing a prepared solo.
“He did a workshop with Kerry Ellis and then performed as a group and also did some musical theatre dance.
“On both days they were performing in front of a panel, in an audition sort of style, to give them experience on that side of the industry.”
She continued: “Ruairidh has been dancing since he could sit upright. As soon as he could walk he was dancing.”
Charlotte highlighted how her son put a lot of energy and enthusiasm into his love of musical theatre, having already performed in musicals such as Bugsy Malone, Oliver! and Home Alone.
“He does talk about wanting to pursue it as a career,” Charlotte said. “That’s where his eyes are set at the moment.”
