Getting to Know The Olivers

We speak to Harry, Laurence and Gwion about their journey to the West End

What has this experience been like?

Laurence: It's been just fantastic. I've learned so much from Andrew, Cameron and the coaches, which I will use in my performance as Oliver.

Gwion: It's been the most amazing experience of my entire life and I've enjoyed it hugely. I feel so lucky to have been involved.

Harry: This whole experience has been wonderful, especially meeting so many new friends and working with fantastic coaches who have taught me a lot. I am so pleased to have been part of it.

What have been your highlights?

Laurence: I have lots of highlights, the main one being meeting the other Olivers and Nancys. I can't believe I've only known them for such a short time because we're all so close. We've also been to see some West End shows together and had backstage tours. I love performing in front of the studio audience every Saturday night. Before we go onstage we do the Oliver huddle for good luck and our special chant - 'J.E.E.P.S!' which stands for Joyfulness, Energy, Enthusiasm, Passion and Smiles which gives us motivation to perform really well. Oh and being told I was Oliver was the biggest highlight of all!

Gwion: The highlights have been meeting the other Olivers for the first time and then becoming really good friends. It's been great to have 11 other boys to experience this with. I was worried about being so far from home at the very beginning but living in the Oliver house with all of the other boys has really been lots of fun. Going to the Ironman premiere and seeing Gwyneth Paltrow was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. And, finally, the biggest highlight was being told I was Oliver of course!

Harry: There are so many highlights it's difficult to choose but meeting the other Olivers and Nancys before the first live show was definitely the main one. Walking down the red carpet at the Ironman premiere was amazing! The crowd asked us all for our autographs and we had our photograph taken for the newspaper; it felt like we were celebrities! Also working with Claire, Louise, Kevan and Lisa, the amazing coaches, has been fantastic.

How did you feel when you were told that you were Oliver?

Laurence: It was completely overwhelming. I was ecstatic and it was the greatest feeling in my life ever! My mum couldn't believe it and started crying then gave me a big hug and told me she was so proud of me, which made me cry too!

Gwion: It was very nerve-wracking at first, waiting to find out and then, when I was told I was Oliver I was ecstatic! I couldn't quite believe it and I thought I was dreaming. My mum gave me the biggest hug ever and I couldn't breathe!

Harry: When I found out I was incredibly excited and surprised. I had been dreaming of what it would feel like for so long and then it happened, I couldn't believe it was for real. It didn't sink in for a few minutes that I was actually going to be playing Oliver!

What are you looking forward to most?

Laurence: I'm really looking forward to meeting the cast and my first performance on a West End stage, which will be just amazing and a dream come true.

Gwion: I'm really looking forward to performing and starring with the cast and seeing the set for the first time.

Harry: I'm really looking forward to rehearsing with the winning Nancy and meeting the rest of the cast, especially Fagin!

What advice would you give to any young people hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Laurence: I would advise anyone who wanted to perform in the West End to really believe in yourself and be confident when you perform. Also, try not to be nervous and enjoy yourself so that the audience enjoy themselves too!

Gwion: Keep trying really hard, even if you don't get some things you audition for, because one day the right part will be out there for you. Always concentrate, be focussed and listen to everything your coaches and the experts tell you and use it in your performance.

Harry: Make sure that you enjoy every moment of the experience as it all goes by so quickly! And also, you shouldn't be upset if things don't always go the way you want them to. Sometimes you have to just keep working really hard even if you think you'll never make it.

Who in the final three would you like to be Nancy?

Laurence: I would like Jodie to be my Nancy.

Gwion: Jessie is my Nancy!

Harry: I'd like Samantha to be my Nancy.