A UNIVERSITY of West London (UWL) student has been invited to the US to bring hit musical 'Driven' to life.

Francesco Redica, now in his second year of a Composition undergraduate degree is both a pianist and composer and started writing his musical with a friend, Joe Archer.

After attracting attention in the industry, the pair were invited to the States to bring their show to life.

The friends have made the most of their time during lockdown by reworking the content and beginning the production of an album of 20 songs from the show, all recorded with help from fellow musicians and students across London.

Francesco first showed his talents for composing by playing Beethoven from the keypad on his mother's mobile phone at the age of just 10.

He has since gone on to write and record an entire musical – all while still studying for a degree at UWL's London College of Music (LCM).

Francesco said: "This project started out as a simple collection of songs, but it's grown so much, we've been able to take it to a whole new level and create a lot of new music.

"It's been a huge amount of work, but it's changed and developed so much and it's incredible to be invited to have it performed in America.

"I can't wait to get it all out there.

"I've always been drawn to music.

"I started playing out Beethoven tunes from my mum's flip phone

keypad when I was a child as all the buttons made different sounds.

"That's when my parents decided to look into getting me a real keyboard and so I began to learn by ear.

"I've met some incredible people at LCM and have been so inspired to create.

"I am enjoying this time so much and it is very humbling to see how well received the music I'm making is and how many links I can enjoy as I start my career in the industry."

Francesco is already enjoying success after releasing a song from the show - 'All I've Ever Wanted' - onto global streaming platforms as he awaits performance dates for the musical in the States.