Celebrities Wowed by Fiorentini’s Got Talent

On Saturday 18 November, the multiple award-winning Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School held its fourth Fiorentini’s Got Talent Competition, which saw exceptionally talented students from Camden, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Greenwich battle it out in front of a panel of highly acclaimed industry professionals.

The celebrity panel included Ali Bastian (known for her role as Becca in Hollyoaks and PC Sally Armstrong in The Bill), former Fiorentini students Tahj Miles (known for CBBC’s Class Dismissed) and Jayden Jean-Paul-Denis (Known for Hank Zipzer), Alice de Sousa, executive producer of several highly acclaimed films including last year’s commercially successful A Street Cat Named Bob and Emma Sylvester, who has cast for Ridley Scott Associates as well as feature films including High Strung Free Dance (Director Michael Damian) and Bruno (Director Karl Golden).

“I was astounded by the range and variety of truly exceptional talent coming from the Anna Fiorentini school – the children showed an incredible level of professionalism whilst performing with passion, confidence and joy. I cannot wait to see what the school and these children achieve in the future – these are the stars of tomorrow.”   Ali Bastian

“Jaw dropping talent which wouldn’t feel out of place on a West End stage or cinema / television screen. The Anna Fiorentini students are the stars of tomorrow, performing with integrity, honesty and confidence. A joy to witness and food for thought for my future casting projects.”  Emma Sylvester, one of the country’s top casting directors.

Year upon year the competition attracts the very best of the school’s emerging young talent, highlighting the driving force of young people within the arts. Previous winners include former student Jermain Jackman (2012), who later went on to win The Voice 2014.

The winner of this year’s Fiorentini’s Got Talent was Jessica Odeleye, who stunned the judges with her dance routine performed to Save Me. Jessica, who happens to be a bursary student, attends the Camden branch of the Fiorentini School which takes place on Saturdays at Parliament Hill School.

Second place went to Matilde Michell who sang Hallelujah. Matilde is also Camden branch student.

The People’s Choice Award went to Hackney branch student Daniel Walsh. He performed a very powerful monologue The Moon’s the Madonna.

And third place went to the McCutheon class of the Hackney branch. They danced to Michael Jackson’s Ghost.

 Facts about the Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School

* Was set up in 2001 as a Prince's Trust Business.

* Several students have gained leading roles on TV, Film and on the West End stage thanks to the Fiorentini Agency. These include Belinda Owusu (5 year contract with EastEnders playing Libby Fox), Orla Hill (child star in Song for Marion and Swallows & Amazons), Tahj Miles (Simba in the West End's The Lion King, Nipper in Oliver, and currently starring in CBBC's Class Dismissed), Jaden Oshenye (Fletcher in the West End's The Bodyguard playing alongside Beverley Knight) and Jayden Jean Paul-Denis (known for Hank Zipper). Former student and current ambassador Jermain Jackman won The Voice UK 2014 shortly after winning Fiorentini's Got Talent.

* The school has won 3 Business of London awards and in 2012 Anna Fiorentini won the Inspirational Leader/Business Person award for The Camden and Islington Business Awards.

* Celebrities who have either taught or been guest speakers at the school include Joseph Marcell (Butler in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air), Barbara Windsor, Christopher Biggins, Ashley Walters, Michelle Collins and Gaby Roslin.

* Students aged 7 - 18 follow a weekly time-table of drama, singing, dance and film all taught by leading industry professionals including Mark Short (choreographer to artists including Tina Turner and Peter Andre), Jacob Murray (former associate director of the prestigious Royal Exchange Manchester) and Jay Henry (a vocal coach for X Factor and The Voice who has worked with artists including Luthor Vandross, Stevie Wonder and Elton John).

* The Fiorentini Foundation, (charity number 1140414) was set up in 2011 to provide bursaries and scholarships for less privileged children that wish to access the school's training. Many recipients of these bursaries have gained leading professional work or have excelled in their academic studies due to an increased desire for learning.

* The Fiorentini Performance Troupe, which is the face of the charity, performs in local hospitals, care homes, homes for the elderly and at various corporate events.

* The school is not a franchise but has branches in Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Greenwich and Camden.

Contact Details for the Press Office

Anna Fiorentini Direct number 07779 125095

Office Number: 020 7682 1403

E-mail: info@annafiorentini.co.uk