A classical singer who is now moving to Boston has thanked Barrow and Furness for the 'world-class' training he was given.

32-year-old Robbie Milner is a Baritone meaning his vocal range is in the middle between tenor and bass.

Robbie was brought up in Ulverston and went to school in Barrow.

His interest in music began early with the piano before progressing onto singing. He later joined local amateur groups such as Barrow Savoyards G&S Society, Barrow Operatic & Amateur Dramatic Society and Barrow Male Voice Choir.

He also went to many Scottish Ceilidh dances with the Old Friends Ceilidh Band led by Mike and Deborah Kermode in Ulverston with Robbie's mum playing the fiddle.

The singer said: "The quality of talent of everyone involved in these companies was inspiring and was always accompanied with a huge amount of fun.

"These were local people who gave up their time and did so because they love what they do. The high standard of training has opened a lot of doors for me.

"Barrow and Furness are unique in the number of theatre camps and groups they have. If I hadn't been brought up here I may never have had that influence and inspiration."

Robbie performed in the chorus of Pirates of Penzance in 2009 which was followed by Ruddigore in February 2010. After studying in Edinburgh, he moved to Boston in 2018 in the USA where he gained his Master’s in Voice Performance. 

The Mail: Robbie was part of the chorus in Ruddigore

He's now applying for his American visa to return to Boston continue his professional career. He is looking to work with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society and wishes to perform in both full-stage productions and recitals.

Robbie said: "The two are very different types of performances so I'd like to strike a balance. A recital is just a pianist and singer whereas a full stage production is a real melting pot of ideas.

"Everything runs parallel and there's a lot to think about such as auditions, parts and even costume changes.

"In Beauty and the Beast I started out as a villager and ended up playing a piece of cutlery. 

"Russell Palmer, director at Barrow Savoyards told us 'just keep animated and keep moving. If you stop moving the audience will disconnect, they won't believe and you have to create a whole world for them to believe'.

The Mail: The Barrow Savoyards group Pirates of Penzance Pirates of Penzance production

"It was training like that, along with advice from musical director Doreen Dunlop and choreographer Karen Glasgow that has really come into its own as I've progressed in my career.

"This genre needs passionate people like this to keep it alive. I'm thankful to Barrow and Furness for giving me my identity."