SWINDON’S very own starlet Phoebe Maddison could soon see her name in lights in the West End after making it through to the semi-final of a musical theatre competition.

At the start last month, Phoebe auditioned for the singing competition West End Calling and after wowing the judges with her rendition of Popular from the show Wicked, she was selected to go through to the next round, performing at the Tristan Bates Theatre in Leicester Square.

Now, the youngster’s dreams are drawing close after beating off competition from other aspiring performers to make it through to the semi-finals on March 25.

Phoebe, who first got into singing at a young age, is no stranger to the limelight after winning the Best of Swindon Talent competition last year and as part of her prize, she helped turn on the town’s Christmas lights.

“I was amazed when the judges said I had made it through to the semi-final because there was so much talent at the auditions,” the 12-year-old said.

“It was such a lovely experience that it made me think that even if I didn’t get through, it was nice to meet so many people.

“The whole day was great fun and I was able to meet people who are in the industry and they were able to give me feedback and constructive criticism about how to improve my performance.”

West End Calling is a musical theatre singing competition for young performers and West End stars from a whole host of theatre shows judge each round of the competition and give their expert opinions and advice.

Created with the aim of giving young performers a platform to build their confidence and performance skills, the competition will hold its final at the Ambassadors Theatre in April.

Phoebe has been brushing up on her musical skills for the past six years as a member of the Stagecoach theatre group and heard about the competition on Facebook.

The aspiring performer from North Swindon who attends Isambard Community School, said she has high hopes for her semi-final performance but is yet to decide on a song.

“I really can’t wait and it is going to be lovely to go back to London and all my friends are quite excited too.

“They are all really supportive of me even when I have to miss occasions because of auditions or performances but everyone has been great.”

Last year, Phoebe was given a Pride of Swindon award for her fundraising efforts for diabetes charities after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes aged four.