From UCLan to West End, Music Theatre graduate Bradley Judge shares his story

Music Theatre graduate, Bradley Judge, chose to study at the University of Central Lancashire to get professional acting training whilst also having a university experience. The BA (Hons) Music Theatre course was perfect for him due to the highly skilled tutors and outstanding facilities.

BA (Hons) Music Theatre Alumnus Bradley Judge
BA (Hons) Music Theatre Alumnus Bradley Judge

Before attending University, Bradley had doubts about becoming an actor but grew in confidence when he was encouraged by tutors to follow his aspirations. Whilst at UCLan, he was a proud member of the University’s Chamber Choir and enjoyed many great performance opportunities.

After graduation, Bradley went on to study a master’s degree at the Guildford School of Acting before pursuing a career in musical theatre. Since then he has appeared in various musicals in London’s West End, nationally and internationally, including Sister Act, Grease, Yank!, Pippin and Salad Days. Bradley felt particularly proud of playing Claude in the UK touring production of Hair at the Edinburgh Playhouse, which has the biggest theatre seating capacity in the UK. Another incredible experience for him was performing as Pharaoh in the UK touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in his hometown of Bradford.

"My degree gave me all the knowledge I needed to make a start in industry. I owe everything to my tutors on the music theatre course and wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now without them."

Bradley Judge, BA (Hons) Music Theatre Alumnus

Bradley recently united with former members of UCLan’s Chamber Choir to record a special version of the signature song they used to perform at the University’s graduation ceremonies. This was to raise money for the NHS during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Looking back on his time at UCLan, Bradley described it as “one of the happiest times of my life”. He has many fond memories including performing in his course shows, going to France with the Chamber Choir and taking part in the London industry showcase. Bradley will always cherish these moments, he said: “Performing alongside my friends in whatever we did was such a wonderful feeling. The shows were always so professional and carried such heart."

In the Summer of 2021, Bradley was in a production of Hairspray at the London Coliseum alongside Michael Ball, Les Dennis and Rita Simons. He played one of the 'Nicest Kids in Town' (Sketch) and then understudied the role of 'Corny Collins' which he got to play for just over a week in London’s West End.

Bradley also later auditioned for a revival of Sister Act the musical which was setting out on a UK and Ireland tour after playing the Hammersmith Apollo for 8 weeks over the summer. He was given the opportunity to play 'TJ', an excitable but not very bright gangster, in this production alongside stars such as Beverley Knight, Jennifer Saunders, and Lesley Joseph. He said "since then I have been touring the UK and Ireland with the show and still love every second of it."