An Islander’s dream of becoming a West End performer has moved a step closer after being offered a place at Italia Conti – a leading performing arts organisation.
18-year-old Ebb Phillips, from Ventnor, will begin a 3 year BA (Hons) Musical Theatre degree in September, having been selected from hundreds of applicants.
Italia Conti is the world’s oldest theatre arts training school. Established in 1911, it has built a reputation for excellence, producing some of the world’s leading stars of stage and screen including West End and Broadway actress Bonnie Langford; playwright, actor and composer Sir Noel Coward; Olivier Award-winning West End actor Sam Tutty and musicians Newton Faulkner and Pixie Lott.
Ebb’s passion for musical theatre began at a young age. He was a regular participant in the Isle of Wight Dance and Music Festival and an active member of the Island’s theatre scene, particularly with the Island Savoyards. After studying performing arts at the Isle of Wight College Ebb was offered a scholarship at Ryde School to study A-levels.
During this time, he secured 1 of 6 places available on the Junior Conservatoire programme at Guildford College of Acting travelling to Surrey every Saturday thanks to the support of Wightlink, which sponsored his travel.
Sally Phillips, Ebb’s mum says:
“I am thrilled that Ebb’s hard work, passion and dedication has been rewarded with a place at one of the country’s leading theatre schools. He is hugely talented but also puts in the hours needed to develop his singing, dancing and acting skills.
“The support from Wightlink has really made it possible for Ebb to pursue his dreams. We have been able to go to training days, singing lessons, and as many auditions and recalls as it took! It’s hard to keep a dream alive from a little town on the Isle of Wight but he has got there!
Article continues below this advertisement “Thank you to everyone who has helped Ebb along the way, including his singing teacher Tressa Lambert and ballet tutor Joel Morris – and not forgetting everyone at the Island Savoyards – Ebb hasn’t looked back since playing Oliver for them when he was 11!”
Wightlink Commercial Director Phil Delaney adds:
“We are really pleased to see Ebb doing so well and it’s great to think we have played a part in helping an Isle of Wight teenager along the path to what promises to be a fantastic career in the performing arts.”
