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Two young islanders and potential future “stars” of the West End have opened up about their dream roles after being awarded grants to help them pursue their ambitions.
The Jersey Amateur Dramatic Club has awarded its inaugural Student Performing Arts Award to Charlie Dicker and Dante Nardone.
The pair received the £1,000 award after interviews with the JADC’s Executive Committee, and the funds will support them in their first year of study in the performing arts in the UK.
"We were really pleased with the varied entries we received", said Debbie Taylor, the JADC's Chair.
"This was a new initiative for the JADC and we weren't sure how popular it would be, but it just goes to show that performing arts are thriving in our young performers and that their talent should be nurtured for the future."
Pictured: Charlie won PwC's Musician of the Year in 2021 (Gary Grimshaw).
Charlie Dicker recently finished his A-Levels and has secured a place on the Musical Theatre degree programme at Italia Conti, a performing arts conservatoire in Woking.
He said: "I'll use the award money for supplies, like dance gear, shoes, books, to help with the course. This includes the flights and fees needed for auditions. It can be difficult for people living in Jersey to go over to the UK. We can't just jump on a train or a bus, but we have to book a flight. I had to go over twice and I managed to get a few auditions in a few days, but that is expensive."
In 2021, he won the PwC's Young Musician of the Year and has performed repeatedly with Jersey Green Room Theatre Company. "I'm more of a singer," he said. "But I've danced outside of school and done acting in school."
Pictured: Charlie in a Jersey Youth Performing Arts production of Grease at Haute Vallee.
His dream roles include Marius in Les Miserables on the West End – or a role in Wicked.
Pictured: Dante Nardone in The Theatre Workshop's production of Footloose in Howard Davis Park.
In September, Dante, the other recipient of the JADC's Award, will also be off to begin his studies in performing arts. He will be attending ArtsEducational School in Chiswick, where he will train in musical theatre, which allows him to focus on all three of his passions at the same time – singing, dancing, and acting.
"London is expensive," he said. "ArtsEd does not have a campus or student halls, so this means I will have to share a house or flat with my fellow students. ArtsEd is an independent conservatoire and that means it can be quite hefty on the money side, like any university. I am hoping to use the grant to pay for the Validation Fee and any additional uniform or kit that is required."
"I was pleased that my mother came across the award that JADC advertised."
He said that from a young age he has always been "charismatic" and that from primary school productions, "it was clear that if I don't go into some sort of performing when I am older, I will be missing out."
When he was Gavroche in JADC's 2016 performance of Les Miserables at Jersey Opera House, he knew it was "something I wanted a career in."
He has gone on to have lead roles such as Ren in a summer 2021 production of Footloose, organised by The Theatre Workshop.
After finishing at ArtsEd, he would love to perform on cruises around the world – combining two of his talents: performance and "seeing the sights of difference countries and cultures."
After that, the West End is his goal. "The dream is to see my name in shining lights, and I hope to end up being a star in the future, and making some amazing friends and connections along the way."
Instead of the French Revolution, the American Revolution is a story Dante dreams about having a role in.
"My dream role has to be Aaron Burr in Hamilton. The production is simply amazing and if I was in the ensemble in Hamilton, my life would be complete. The songs are amazing and the choreography and attention to detail must be so exciting to perform!"
It is hoped that the award will be available annually and will see one young islander (or more, depending on the amount requested by applicant/s), connected to Jersey either by birth or residence for at least two years before applying, awarded a maximum of £1,000 towards their study at University or College, or towards vocational training in the Island, having completed GCSEs or equivalent and wishing to pursue further education in performing arts in Jersey or elsewhere.
The funding could be used towards further study, travel expenses, purchase of items relating to study such as books, instruments or other equipment.
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