Becky O'Brien on Britain's Got Talent experience and theatre school

Becky O'Brien was in Britain's Got Talent (BGT) 2015 and finished sixth overall.

She had performed in Broadway shows in America and even appeared in a film with Dame Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins and Will Young after completing her degree.

But Becky had taken a break from stage life before a producer put her forwards for a BGT audition.

“I loved every minute of it - the judges were lovely and I still talk to some of the acts I was on with," said Becky.

“I had the opportunity to go back to doing something I’ve loved my whole life.

"It gave me a springboard to start touring again and do something I thought I might not have the chance to do again."

Becky finished 6th place in Britain's Got Talent 2015 (Image: Becky O'Brien) During Becky's audition, her experiences of being in an abusive marriage were brought to light and she has continued to use these experiences in a positive way - becoming the first survivor ambassador for Women's Aid.

Performing was "always on the cards" as she was born into a creative family in Barking and performed from a young age.

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Her father was part of television double-act Dailey and Wayne and, according to Becky, was the first to introduce ABBA to the UK.

She said: "Pretty much everyone in my family is on stage.

"It's all we've ever known - stage, screen, touring life."

In January 2024, Becky decided to put these years of experience to new use and founded her theatre school The Stage Space.

After experiencing early success, Becky established a talent agency last summer to work alongside The Stage Space which is directed by her sister Dinah.

"There’s two avenues side by side for us", she said.

“Some people come because they enjoy it as a hobby, but we have a lot who have a strong passion and want to do it as a career.

"We've had hundreds of medals and lots of trophy winners which is lovely but we want to see them progress as people as that's what will take them forwards.

“We give people the skills and the opportunities and then if they want to make it a career, we make it as possible as we can for them.

“Equally, if they just want to come, build confidence and enjoy the social side then that’s also important to us."

According to Becky, The Stage Space caters for anyone from three-year-olds to adults and teaches singing, dancing, acting and acrobatics.

Becky said The Stage Space welcomes all people no matter how serious they want to take performing (Image: Becky O'Brien) “I love teaching – I love being able to ignite a flame inside someone and allow them to find what they’re really passionate about," she said.

“It’s just a hobby for some but you still learn so many skills that are transferrable, and it has a massive impact on young people – mental health, social skills, interaction.

“We like to bring in people who have experienced working in the industry to answer questions that young people might have – we try to cover everything with people – not just how to dance but what it looks like to be a professional performer."

For now Becky is using space in St Margaret's Church in Barking and St John's Church in Hornchurch to teach classes but has ambitions for a permanent home in the future.

"I'd love to get a static premises," she said.

“I’d also like to set up a group for people with more severe extra needs and for that we’d need carers in the room.

“If people want to enjoy music and performing then a disability shouldn’t stop them from doing that."

Becky said she is discussing the potentiality for alternative provision with Havering Council.