A GUITAR-singing schoolboy is celebrating after scooping a coveted Olivier Award.
Princethorpe College pupil Toby Lee shot to fame two years ago after releasing a song dedicated to the now-late BB King. It went viral, being viewed more than 50 million times online.
And since then the only way has been up for 12 year-old Toby, who recently made his West End musical debut in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s critically acclaimed ‘School of Rock the Musical’, which sees him play the role of Zack Mooneyham.
Southam-based Toby and his 12 musically talented young co-stars took to the stage at the Olivier Awards to receive the ‘Outstanding Achievement in Music’ award.
He said: “I’m so proud that I am an Olivier Award winner.
“My experience with School of Rock has been an incredible adventure and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
Toby has become used to being in the limelight after gaining plenty of followers online and being praised by the likes of guitar legend Joe Bonamassa and former Old Grey Whistle Test host ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris.
He recently played to nearly 40,000 people in Hyde Park and has also made his mark stateside, performing on ‘Little Big Shots’ – a show which features some of the world’s most talented and extraordinary children.
Toby first discovered his love for the guitar when he was just four-years-old and his grandmother gave him a ukelele.
He played it until the strings broke and was then given a guitar, which he now uses to play on his ‘Sunday Jam Sessions’ – a live stream watched by thousands of people where he plays music from Jimi Hendrix to ACDC.
Toby said: “My mum and dad think I’m amazing – but I’m just Toby and I love playing my guitar.”
Toby Lee received his award from comedian and Matilda the Musical lyricist Tim Minchin.
