Swindon’s own Harry Apps, a rising star of the West End, is set to make a return to his hometown next month, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a passion for inspiring the next generation of performers.
Harry, who dazzled audiences as Marius in London’s production of Les Misérables for four years and more recently appeared in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends alongside musical legends Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, credits much of his success to the early training and encouragement he received from the Janice Thompson Performance Trust (JTPT).
Speaking ahead of his return, Harry shared: “Working with Janice and attending the JTP Trust helped me learn resilience in the face of failure. They taught us to work together as a team, to learn and perform something collectively. The JTPT Festivals were a brilliant challenge and gave me a purpose to improve my craft.”
Harry will take to the stage on Sunday 6th July at The Platform on Faringdon Road as part of the annual JTPT Summer Gala, which this year celebrates 20 years of nurturing Swindon’s young talent. He is set to perform two contemporary musical theatre pieces, certain to captivate audiences and prove to young performers aged 4 to 18 that it is possible to pursue a career in singing.
Excited for his homecoming, Harry added: “I’m really looking forward to performing for the Trust again, and I can’t wait to see the new wave of talent who are sure to give me a run for my money!”
The Janice Thompson Performance Trust, spearheaded by vocal coaches Janice and Jessie Thompson and pianist Shelley Morgan, has been a cornerstone of Swindon’s performing arts scene for two decades.
Reflecting on the upcoming gala, Janice Thompson enthused: “The summer gala is a vital event in our calendar. It’s a celebration of everything we’ve achieved in the past year and a chance to showcase some of Swindon’s brightest stars.”
The evening will include a vibrant programme featuring songs from Alice in Wonderland performed by the youngest members, solo performances from Festival winners, senior choral numbers, and a grand finale of songs from Oliver, led by jazz sensation Charlotte Johnson.
Young people with an interest in singing are warmly invited to attend and see first-hand the opportunities available in Swindon. Concert tickets are free for children under 14 and £12 for adults. The Trust also offers weekly group singing lessons for children aged 4 to 18 without any auditions, and their final free taster evening of the school year will be held on Tuesday 8th July at Holy Cross Primary School.
For more details on the Gala Concert and singing opportunities with the JTP Trust, visit facebook.com/JTPTrustSwindon or jtptrust.org.
