Ben Brindle – West End Kids Troupe
Where are you from?
Gloucestershire
Journey with West End Kids:
I first heard about WEK through social media, I saw a post that inspired me to audition and I was offered a place in the WEK: Training Blue Troupe in January 2019. Through hard work and perseverance, I moved through the training groups and achieved a position in WEK Troupe in Summer 2023.
Performance Highlights:
The first time I performed as part of WEK Troupe, at the Elderflower Fields Festival, will always hold a special place in my heart. It marked the start of an exciting chapter in my WEK journey, and is a performance I will never forget.
Of the many amazing opportunities WEK has given me, my highlight has to be performing to an audience of 40,000 on the Main Stage at Carfest, Summer 2023. The nerves I felt before going on disappeared, as adrenaline surged through me I stepped on stage and gave the best performance I could – the feeling was incredible.
Training and Dedication:
Nothing worthwhile in life is gained without hard work, dedication, determination and motivation, and being the best WEK Troupe member that I can be is no exception. I commit 1-2 hours per day, Sunday – Friday, rehearsing routines and vocals in preparation for upcoming rehearsals and performances. Balancing this commitment with school and everyday life can be challenging but so rewarding. Furthermore, there is a huge amount of support and encouragement from the WEK family, and the feeling of satisfaction you get when your hard work pays off is amazing.
Future Aspirations:
My dream is to perform on stage in touring Musical Theatre productions. Favourite shows include The Book of Mormon and Crazy for You, but my absolute dream job would be to play the role of “Strat” in Bat Out of Hell.
Personal Interests:
Outside of WEK, I am a keen musician and enjoy playing drums, keyboards, guitar, as well as singing. I also enjoy producing and writing my own music. I love how through WEK performances and music I can express myself and feel truly at home in these creative arts.
Inspirations and Motivation:
The desire to always give, and be my best, is the motivation I need to keep going. WEK is hard work, but when I see the progress I am making, I know I am heading in the right direction and I am inspired to carry on – I love every aspect of WEK, it provides me with first class training and opportunities in a discipline in which I strive to have a career. I look up to my teachers, and also to performers such as Charlie Stemp who played the lead in sold-out performances of Crazy for You, mesmerising and inspiring many through his outstanding performances.
Since becoming a member of WEK, my confidence and performance ability have soared. The teachers provide an environment in which you can flourish and in which hard work and positivity pay off. The advice I would give to new members of WEK is to always try, and give the best, of your ability. Practice hard outside of classes, never give up, pursue your dream and aim high.
