Drag queen's rise from university to winning The Voice

A drag queen has gone from studying Sir Bryn Terfel at university to winning the Welsh language version of The Voice in his team.

Oliver Martin, who performed as their drag alter ego Carrie Sauce in Y Llais, first earned their stripes as a music and musical theatre graduate at the University of Chichester.

"To go from watching Bryn Terfel play Sweeney Todd at the English National Opera as research for our own 2014 University of Chichester production, to winning The Voice after duetting with the man himself is such an incredible and unbelievable journey," Martin said.

Carrie Sauce is believed to be the first drag queen to win any version of The Voice, according to the university.

Martin added: "I had such an amazing time during my studies at Chichester, and though I hadn't begun my drag journey yet, I have no doubt my experience at the university heavily influenced the character of Carrie Sauce.

"It feels incredible. I never in a million years expected to win, but it's the best surprise I could've hoped for.

"I cannot wait to see what comes next."

As the winner of Y Llais, Martin will record an original song with songwriter Amy Wadge, who has worked with artists including Pink, Sam Ryder and Ed Sheeran.

Andrew Wright, who was the programme leader for musical theatre performance at the university while Martin was there between 2014 and 2017, said he was "immensely proud" of his former pupil.

"It is a pleasure to see how they have continued to develop not only their performance skills but also their strong sense of artistic identity and self-expression," Wright said.

"During their time on the programme, Oliver performed leading roles in Sweeney Todd, The Producers and Parade, consistently demonstrating both talent and commitment. We are immensely proud of everything they have achieved since graduating and wish them every continued success in the future."

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