From School Productions to the West End

Merryl Ansah, Class of 2011

“Looking back, every setback moved me closer to my purpose. I am where I am not in spite of my failures, but because of them.”

Few performers land a leading role in one of the world’s most successful musicals. Fewer still take an unexpected route to get there. Our amazingly talented, Merryl Ansah has been performing as Nala in Disney’s The Lion King in London’s West End, but her journey began by embracing every opportunity available during her time at LEH and learning that setbacks can often become life’s greatest opportunities.

Woman wearing a large carved lion mask on her head, smiling with face paint and dotted designs on her face.

Finding her path

At LEH, Merryl immersed herself in Music, Drama, Sport and Academics. She joined Holles Singers, performed in the joint LEH-Hampton production of Oklahoma! and discovered a love of performing that continued to grow throughout Sixth Form.

Like many students, however, her journey wasn’t straightforward. Missing the grades she needed for her first-choice university felt devastating at the time. Rather than giving up, Merryl retook her exams, secured a place at the University of Bristol to study Accounting and Management and proved to herself that resilience would become one of her greatest strengths.

While university offered a more traditional career path, creativity never disappeared. She began uploading singing videos online, auditioned for productions and eventually joined the National Youth Music Theatre, where working alongside industry professionals transformed what had once been a hobby into a genuine career ambition.

Young woman with braided hair speaks at a podium with LEH signage (Lady Eleanor Holles) during an event, microphone in front of her.

Taking a chance on your passion

As graduation approached, Merryl faced a choice familiar to many graduates: pursue a secure graduate career or take a chance on something she truly loved. She chose the latter. Acceptance onto the prestigious Musical Theatre Master’s programme at the Royal Academy of Music marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

“Follow your passions, apply yourself fully, and never take ‘no’ for an answer.” 

Long rehearsal days, constant auditions and the inevitable rejection that comes with the profession became part of daily life, but so did enormous personal growth. Since graduating, Merryl has built an impressive career across theatre, television and voice acting. She has appeared in productions including Heathers, A Christmas Carol and The Lion King, performed on BBC Children in Need and voiced characters for major video games.

Returning to LEH in 2025 as keynote speaker at the Celebration of the Year felt like coming full circle.

Woman wearing a carved lion head mask and beaded traditional dress, smiling at the camera.

An LEH education goes beyond the syllabus

Looking back, Merryl believes LEH encouraged her to embrace every opportunity rather than limiting herself to one area of school life.

Music, drama, sport and academic study each helped develop different skills, from teamwork and discipline to confidence and resilience. More importantly, the school’s encouragement to step outside her comfort zone gave her the courage to pursue an unconventional career.

Today, those same qualities remain essential. Success in musical theatre demands persistence, adaptability and a willingness to keep learning, qualities Merryl first began developing long before stepping onto a professional stage.

“Hold on to the core LEH values: choose to succeed, rise to challenges, lift others up, take ownership, and embrace joy and laughter.” 

Six diverse women stand side by side outdoors, smiling at the camera in a sunny park setting.

Success isn’t always a straight line

One of the biggest misconceptions about performing arts is that talented people experience instant success. Merryl knows the reality is very different.

“Looking back, every setback moved me closer to my purpose. I am where I am not in spite of my failures, but because of them.” 

Auditions don’t always lead to jobs. Rejection is inevitable. Careers rarely follow a predictable route. Yet each disappointment taught her something new, strengthened her confidence and ultimately helped prepare her for the opportunities that followed.

Her story is a reminder that resilience is often just as important as talent.

Fearless Futures

What would Merryl’s advice be to current LEH students?

Don’t be afraid of rejection, it doesn’t define your future.

Take every opportunity to develop your interests, even if they sit outside your academic studies. The experiences that shape you most are often the ones you least expect.

Most importantly, trust that your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Success rarely follows a straight line, but if you’re willing to keep learning, keep growing and keep believing in yourself, you’ll often find yourself exactly where you’re meant to be.