The biennial Young Singer of Mann competition takes place each year at the Erin Arts Centre. The competition encourages young singers between the ages of 8 and 15 years old to put their names forward and take part in the contest. The contest is widely regarded as one of the most important youth music competitions in the island, and the list of past winners includes many singers who have gone on to further musical studies and find success both on and off the island.
Evie Skillicorn has been interested in singing and performing from quite a young age. Taking part in her first show “Annie Junior The Musical” at the age of 6, Evie's love and passion for the arts began from there. Over the years Evie has been lucky enough to be cast in some fantastic productions with local Theatre groups including Taylorian, Parker & Snell and Douglas Choral Union.
We caught up with Evie for a Q+A after winning the Young Singer of Mann competition in the summer.
Q. What or who inspired you to start singing?
I started singing lessons with my Aunty, Jane Corkill – it must run in the family as my Great Grandmother, Gladys Skillicorn, won the Cleveland Medal and of course my Aunty Jane is well known in local performing circles. She inspired and kick started my passion for singing and was my first singing teacher. I am currently taught by Kristene Sutcliffe and since singing with her I have won the Sheffield Plate and the Young Singer of Man and am studying towards my Grade 6 Musical exam.
Q. What made you decide to enter the Young Singer of Mann competition?
I think the Young Singer competition is a wonderful event as I feel it offers a great platform to experience performing. Some of the previous winners are very inspiring and it is an honour to be amongst them.
Evie Skillicorn standing with Emma Callin, Head of VillaGaiety and the Arts.
Q. How did you feel when you won?
I was overjoyed to win this year as it was the last time I could enter the competition, and to sing alongside such talented performers felt very special.
Q. Why do you think having competitions like this is important?
I think it’s so important because it encourages young artists to get up and perform to an audience and teaches stage etiquette at a young age. The more competitions there are the better.
Q. What do you hope to do with your role as Young Singer of Mann over the coming year?
I hope to perform Island wide over the next year as much as possible. I consider it an honour to be named Young Singer of Mann and I hope I can prove myself at these events as a worthy winner.
Q. What’s next for you?
I have recently started my GCSE’s my favourite subject is Drama of course. I will be continuing to work hard with my singing and performing whilst hopefully going on to study A Levels. My dream would be to go to a Performing Arts school and develop a career in the Theatre.
