Alumnus Ethan Thorne (Class of 2025) is ending the year on a high. Alongside his studies at the Central School of Speech and Drama, he is releasing a charity Christmas single while also starring in a brand new seasonal film from Kevin Costner, due to launch just before Christmas.
His Christmas single, Sugar Snow, is a reimagined version of a song written by his father, musician Steve Thorne, before Ethan was born. Although it was never officially released, the track developed something of a cult following thanks to Radio X’s John Kennedy, who played it every December for more than twenty years. Ethan’s version will raise funds for two local charities: Croydon Youth Theatre Organisation (CYTO) and WellChild.
Ethan says, “I was really fortunate to receive a scholarship and bursary that made it possible for me to study at Trinity School, where I had so many opportunities to grow as both an actor and a musician. Not everyone gets that chance, so giving something back to the local arts community feels important and CYTO gives so many young people opportunities.”
While at Trinity, Ethan studied A Level Drama, writing and starring in an original play at the Southern County Drama Festival alongside classmates, starred in Drama productions, and toured with the elite Trinity Soloists as a violinist.
The project has been a full family collaboration. His sister Lara, who is part of CYTO, features on backing vocals, with other young members starring in the music video, created by Ethan’s mum.
The single launches on 28 November and will be available on all major streaming platforms. To maximise the donation to both charities, supporters are encouraged to purchase the track via Bandcamp (link here). The story has already been covered by local media, featured on BBC London’s Upload show and Ethan is set to record a TikTok with local MP Natasha Irons celebrating CYTO and the local arts scene.
From music to acting, there is even more to celebrate. Earlier this year, Ethan travelled to Morocco to film as Joseph in Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas, a new festive drama premiering on 9 December on ABC and 10 December on Disney+ and Hulu. A first-look clip is available on Instagram, which you can view here.
Ethan says, “It was the most incredible experience. Filming in Morocco, working with such an amazing team, it still doesn’t feel real. To have something this big happen the same year we’re releasing our family Christmas track feels really special.”
Wishing you all the best with both projects Ethan!
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