A HOOK teenager has won a coveted place with the UK’s best known musical theatre song and dance troupe.

Alex Bradshaw, 14, won his place with West End Kids following a tough audition and lengthy trial period.

His success in gaining a place with the troupe means that throughout the winter, Alex will perform in front of thousands of people, appearing alongside the casts of West End shows and some of the biggest names in entertainment.

The next couple of months will see him perform at prestigious occasions and charity events such as Clic Sargent Celebration at the Royal Albert Hall, ‘A West End Christmas’ alongside the casts of West End musicals, Hamleys Christmas Toy Parade on Regent Street, Great Ormond Street Hospital Christmas Parties and the Westminster Carer Awards among many others.

Speaking after winning his place Alex said: “I’m so excited to have passed my audition and trial period. The troupe performs at some of the best events and venues throughout the year and I can’t wait to be a part of it.

“I’m particularly excited about performing at the Royal Albert Hall later this season.

“It’s such a prestigious venue and it’s a real honour to get to perform at a world-famous venue in front of thousands of people.”

His success has also been an enormous source of pride to his mother, Nicola, who said: “I’m immensely proud of Alex for being successful in auditions for West End Kids, he loves musical theatre and this is one step closer for his dream career in the West End.”

The 14 year old also drew praise from the founder and artistic director of West End Kids, Martin Williams: “We are delighted to welcome Alex to West End Kids.

“He is a talented young performer and we are confident he will be an asset to our troupe. Our audition process is thorough.

“To be part of our troupe you not only have to be a strong singer and dancer, but you have to be prepared to work hard.”