CAPA College praises past pupil nominated for prestigious WhatsOnStage award
Wakefield-based school CAPA College has praised alum Bella Brown, who has received a WhatOnStage award nomination for her role in Evita.
Bella Brown, who played ‘The Mistress’ in Evita on the West End, has been nominated in the ‘Best Supporting Performer in a Musical’ category.
Now in their 26th year, the WhatsOnStage Awards are considered one of the top highlights of the theatrical calendar – recognising the best of UK theatre.
The theatre star joins other nominees including 2025 Strictly finalist Amber Davies, who has been nominated for her role in The Great Gatsby, and Bad Education star Layton Williams, for his role in Titanique.
CAPA alum Bella received critical acclaim for her role in Evita, and for her role as the understudy/alternate ‘Eva Peron’, with reviews stating that she was “superb” and had “star quality”.
‘Evita’ actress, Rachel Zegler, who gained wide recognition for her performance as Maria in Steven Spielberg's film adaptation of West Side Story, also praised Bella – describing her as “"brilliant”.
The Snow White star posted glowing social media tributes to the performer, calling her the "loveliest, most talented person".
One highlight was was when Bella stepped in mid-show as ‘Evita’ after Rachel fell ill – ultimately receiving a five-minute standing ovation.
Bella is a past student of the Wakefield performing arts college, which specialises in full-time performing arts, production arts and creative media training and education.
A spokesperson for CAPA College said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Bella has been nominated for Best Supporting Performer at the What’s On Stage Awards.
"Her performance as 'The Mistress' in Evita was truly exceptional and she did an outstanding job of being the Alternate 'Eva Perón' to Rachel Zegler - an extraordinary achievement for someone so early in their career.
"Bella is currently starring as 'Rapunzel' in Into the Woods, she just continues to go from strength to strength and we are immensely proud of everything she has achieved since graduating CAPA College.
“Bella’s nomination is just one of many highlights as we close out 2025.”
The WhatsOnStage Awards will take place on Sunday, May 8 at The London Palladium.