Somerset has produced many talented people throughout the years and that is not going to end any time soon because we have a new star impressing thousands of people in the entertainment world – meet Harry Winchester
Harry is a young man who is definitely going places but his favourite place at the moment and where he spends as much time as possible is Bridgwater.
‘I was born and lived in Bridgwater until I was 18 years old, then I moved to London to study musical theatre at the Arts Educational School,’ Harry reveales. ’I've always had an extremely supportive family who have helped me along the way, although none of them are in a creative profession - except for my uncle - Jamie Winchester - who is a music producer and tour manager for many R&B artists - he's amazing!
‘My mum - Joanne Winchester - has worked in education for many years and my dad – Harry Winchester - a very popular name in our family, used to work in motor recovery and mechanics. My brother, Tom, has recently graduated from university after studying a maths degree, and my sister, Abby, was a supermarket manager before giving birth to my gorgeous baby nephew - all very different to acting and singing! Essentially we are a typical Somerset family and very proud to say we come from Bridgwater.’
Harry is having a very busy year on stage and in the studio but he never forgets his roots and especially his pals at the schools he attended.
‘I first went to Sedgemoor Manor, then to East Bridgwater Community School, which is now the Bridgwater College Academy,’ says Harry ‘I didn't perform a huge amount in school, apart from in year 10 and 11 when I took up GCSE music and drama. Oh yes, there was a memorable time in year three when I played the little donkey in the Nativity!
However, whilst in year six, rehearsing for our end-of-year concert - along came a wonderful man named Alan King. He asked me to join his theatre group - ACTS Theatre School. That was where it started really. I appeared in many shows with ACTS, and then joined the Renegades Carnival Club and the Sally Williams Dancers. I don't think I'd be performing as a professional if it was not for the encouragement of these incredible humans. A huge shout out and sincerest thanks to Alan and Val King, and Katie and Sally Williams!
‘I attended Bridgwater College, where I studied performing arts and was also a part of the Bridgwater College Show Choir. This was where I learnt the technical foundations of being a performer. We were given so many great opportunities, and the staff were amazing! I'm still in touch with a few of them now; Gemma Thompson, Amy Wigglesworth and Kat Stevens, I'm looking at you.
'I auditioned for a few drama schools whilst in my second year at college, and it worked. I finished my diploma and headed for the big, bright lights of London town.’ That was a big leap for Harry but he was determined to take it as he had been bitten by the showbiz bug.
‘I grew up watching the VHS versions of Joseph and Cats, which gave me my first taste of musical theatre. My parents then took me to watch pantomimes at the The Playhouse in Weston-super-Mare and the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil. The first live musical I think I saw was Joseph at the Bristol Hippodrome. I always watched these productions thinking 'oooh, I'd love to do that. I'd love to be up on that stage playing these characters and singing these songs', which is where I suppose the drive came from.’
Harry’s career has taken off like a rocket and he has already performed in numerous productions, panto, TV, films and radio and there are many more in the pipeline.
‘I’m very happy and excited at how things are going,’ Harry says and he clearly means it.
‘It is not easy to rattle off everything that has happened so far but the highlights include Peter Pan at Regents Park Open Air Theatre which involved ‘flying ‘ and puppetry as well as acting, singing and dancing. There was also The Pirate Queen at the London Coliseum, Lohengrin at the Royal Opera House, Stiles and Drewe's Three Little Pigs in London, and I'm just about to head to Edinburgh to perform in I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical. I've done a few other fun projects too, such as Tainted - the Soft Cell musical, I've performed at the Royal Albert Hall twice and I've travelled to other countries for performing jobs. So I am living the dream and it’s great. I'd love to do a few long-running shows which are already well-established in London and on Tour such as Les Miserables and The Book of Mormon. I adore working in regional producing theatres, and I also want to workshop and create more new pieces of writing; there's something really exciting about being one of the first actors to ever play a new role.
'There is usually a lot more creative freedom with this sort of work, and it's very rewarding to collaborate with the creative team to construct a vision for these new characters.’
So Harry Winchester is already having a great career but while his career is soaring, Harry’s feet remain firmly on the ground and he likes nothing better than getting back to his home county and once again being with his family. ‘I've got such a soft spot for Somerset,’ Harry confirmed. ‘I love the fresh air, the constant rural surroundings, and you're never more than 30 minutes from a beach! It's always great to escape London for a few days and visit my family and friends back home - and to take a trip to my favourite carvery restaurant in the whole entire world - Brent House in Brent Knoll.
‘There are so many great things to do in Somerset, but I'd say a few of my favourites are a trek through the Quantocks with a picnic, visiting some of the coves, harbours and beaches along the coastline (such as Blue Anchor, Watchet and Minehead), exploring Dunster Castle, and attending the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival in November - it's so much fun!’
It actually sounds exhausting but Harry is an energetic kind of guy as you will see when you catch him on stage one of these days. In fact, he never seems to actually rest.
‘I do rest but I start feeling lazy if I sit still very long,’ said Harry. ‘I love walking lots, travelling to new places and playing with dogs (I don't have my ow yet). I also used to horse ride years ago, so I'm hoping to pick that back up again soon! I also like going to the theatre as a member of the audience.
‘My favourite theatre in the area has to be the Bristol Hippodrome. This is where my wonderful Mum took me to watch many large touring shows, which eventually led to me performing myself. I also have a place in my heart for the Bridgwater Town Hall as this was the first theatre I ever performed in - and did so for many years. I should also mention that it's equally as important for audience members to support their local theatres just as much as the large receiving houses. Let's keep local theatre alive - go and support your community amateur dramatics group!’
Harry Winchester is already having a great time on stage and fulfilling his dream. It will be interesting to see his career develop and it is reassuring to see that despite his many successes so far he has never turned his back on his roots.
‘I'd personally like to say a massive thank you to the local people of Somerset, and especially Bridgwater. Back when I was 17 years old, I was accepted into drama school but knew I wouldn't be able to afford the expensive tuition fees myself as there was no government funding option available. With the help of my family, great friends such as Richard Shattock, Sarah Biffen and many other incredible locals, I was able to raise enough money to move to London and follow my dream. If it weren't for this kindness and generosity, I wouldn't be here performing today. So a huge thank you. I promise to keep the Somerset flag flying.'
Harry Winchester is a Supa Nova and heading for a huge future. His trail of stardust leads back to Somerset – the place he proudly calls home.
