Layla Chivandire in SIX

Back in 2021, Layla Chivandire was crowned our West End Calling Senior Winner. Since then she's taken a new crown as Catherine Parr in Six the Musical UK and International tour.

Here Layla tells us all about it!

How was your experience with West End Calling and how did it feel when you found out you were the winner?

My experience with West End Calling was incredible and a memory I’ll cherish forever! Going into the competition, I never thought I would come out the other end with such success but it truly pushed my career into a great direction. Hearing my name being called out was such a warming feeling knowing all of the hard work had paid off and could be recognised in such an exciting way.

As part of your prize you got to perform at West End Does Christmas at Cadogan Hall - what was it like performing there with all those people?

Performing at such a beautiful venue was such a great prize and made me feel extremely lucky and proud to be up there with many incredible industry stars. This opportunity was my first time performing in any sort of professional way and is one I’ll never forget. Don’t get me wrong, the nerves were real and the pressure was on, but it turned out to be the best Christmas present I could’ve hoped for!

Following the competition you went on to train at Urdang, did you enjoy your time at Drama School? What was the audition process like to get in?

Urdang was the first school I auditioned for and my first offer, I couldn’t think of a better fit and the decision to attend was the best choice I ever made. Auditioning felt so comfortable and relaxed for me following the West End Calling process. The experience I gained throughout the competition definitely helped my confidence in performing for a panel. Without attending the school, I wouldn’t be where I am now!

You recently got cast as Catherine Parr in the UK tour of Six the Musical, how was the audition process and what’s been the highlight of the job?

Six and the role of Catherine Parr had always been a job I could see in my career, I just didn’t expect it to be so soon! I thoroughly enjoyed the audition process for this show as it was mainly one on one music and monologue rounds which had a workshop vibe to them. The main highlight of the tour so far has to be the cast, the girls are such an incredible group of people and we are so lucky to get along as much as we do.

What would be your biggest piece of advice you would give to anyone thinking of auditioning for West End Calling in 2026?

Just go for it! If you have fun and radiate confidence the panel will only reflect that attitude. At the end of the day, they want you to succeed as much as you do. Nerves are also normal and just show how much you care but never let the pressure overtake the enjoyment you feel when performing. You love it for a reason, and don’t forget that!