A song from the musical The Circle, produced by the University Centre Weston (UCW) has been nominated for the Stiles and Drewe Best New Song 2023 prize.

The Circle, is a captivating new musical by UCW’s Eloise Hodder, together with songwriter Rachel Walker Mason, was performed in workshop form by BA Hons Musical Theatre UCW students in the Berkoff Theatre earlier this year.

With tough competition, the shortlisted song, Drown Without Water, was written by Rachel Walker Mason (Grammy voting member and winner of ISSA Best International Female Album 2023) and was one of 197 entries, making it to the top 12 finalists. 

The song is best known for being brought to life by the soulful voice of current UCW student, Poppy Morley.  

“Earning recognition from Stiles and Drewe for the Best New Song 2023 Prize is an unprecedented achievement for this story, but also for the students of UCW, who have played such an important role in bringing the musical to life," said Eloise.  

“The song’s shortlisting for the award brings UCW’s name to the forefront of the international musical theatre community. The prestigious accolade, featured alongside only 11 other finalists from a pool of 197 entries, highlights the calibre of creativity nurtured within UCW’s walls."


The narrative of The Circle revolves around the lives of five women who have become virtually invisible within the complexity of their roles as mothers, wives, daughters, teachers, and friends.  

The characters seek solace and empowerment by joining a song writing group called The Circle, where they find not only a supportive community but also the courage to reclaim their identities.  

“The Stiles and Drewe Best New Song 2023 Prize, in particular, carries immense potential for the musical," Eloise added.

"Beyond providing a platform for emerging talent, the award serves as a launchpad for works of exceptional promise. It symbolises an avenue through which The Circle can evolve, mature, and find its way to a wider audience.”