A former Telford College student has landed his ‘dream’ role in the cast of an award-winning West End musical.
John Browning studied performing arts at the college’s former New Street campus, before progressing to the University of Chichester.
Now he has become part of the smash hit musical Hamilton, describing his West End debut as “a dream come true”.
John, a former student of Burton Borough Schol in Newport, has already worked on Silversea, MSC and Royal Caribbean cruises and most recently appeared in Miss Saigon in Gothenburg, Sweden.
He is now part of the cast of the multi-award-winning musical Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London.
Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now – a revolutionary tale of passion, unstoppable ambition and the dawn of a new nation. It has won numerous Tony, Olivier and Grammy awards since its Broadway debut in 2016.
John is a standby covering the lead roles of King George III, George Washington, Aaron Burr, Hercules Mulligan and James Madison. “It is an absolute dream come true,” he said. “My dream musical and West End debut all in one go.”
Recalling his time at the college, John said: “One of my fondest memories was the first college musical I took part in: Our House, a jukebox musical with music from Madness.
“This musical taught me about ensemble work, singing as a company and also the audition process – something which a younger, smaller and naive John knew nothing about at the time. I did one of the worst auditions to date!”
He added: “The performing arts course at college was vital for me to build a foundation: To learn what it takes to be in the industry, whether that be success or failure, was a lesson that college taught us.
“From the ground up I learned the basics of dancing, singing and acting, and this in turn paved the way to higher education at university.”
Telford College A level tutor Rob Bennion said: “John was an extremely driven and motivated student, always willing to push himself and do more than was asked of him.
“Seeing one of our former students step onto a West End stage is an incredible moment for all of us. John’s talent was clear, but it’s the graft, the discipline and the sheer love of performance that has carried him to this milestone. We’re unbelievably proud.”
Speaking to the University of Chichester, John had some valuable advice for drama students looking to follow in his footsteps.
He said: “It’s smart to have a thick skin, the auditions will be half based on what you look like before they hear you. It’s not a judgment on how you look, it’s just if you fit the idea of the whole cast.
“It’s going to be tough going from gig to gig so be prepared for moments where you have no job, look to improve your skills and refine your talents. And never shy away from a cruise ship contract, they are a great way to perform, see the world and get paid at the same time!”
Theatre studies is one of the A levels being offered at Telford College’s new sixth form centre, Telford 6th, which opens in the town centre’s Station Quarter in September.
(Picture courtesy of the University of Chichester)
