Gifted students from the local Stagecoach Performing Arts Richmond graced the iconic West End Shaftesbury Theatre over the weekend, on the 28th of May 2023, with a medley from the musicals Bandstand, SMASH and Newsies.

The schools travelled many miles to London to perform over the weekend, and worked tremendously hard during rehearsals in what made for a spectacular event. As part of the show, the students performed a variety of renditions of world-famous songs from musicals, films and television shows, from the likes of Stranger Things, Moulin Rouge, The Sound of Music and 9 to 5 to name a few.

On the night, guests of families and friends alike were able to enjoy a plethora of performances by students from all over the country, including Halifax, Maidenhead, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Leeds Horsforth, Farringdon & Royal Wotton Bassett, Walsall, Carmarthen, Banbury, York, Berkhamsted & Hemel Hempstead, Fareham and Hedge End, Chippenham, and Melksham.

Stagecoach's students have been able to grace the iconic venue with a multitude of amazing performances from Stagecoach's students for many years, and this is another enormous milestone for Stagecoach's spring term, which will lead into some fantastic performances in the summer term. These showcases building on the students' creativity, courage and skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Stagecoach Richmond Principal, Jo van der Westhuysen said:

"It's been an honour to give this unforgettable opportunity to our students. They have all worked so hard in preparation for this event and it's been wonderful to see friendships flourish and extend beyond the walls of the rehearsal space."

In the 35 years since launching, Stagecoach Performing Arts has seen more than one million students unlock their creative potential, which they will value for their whole lives. Provided with the support and dedication of such an outstanding Principal network, the students learn so much more than how to sing, dance and act. Stagecoach helps them blossom into well-rounded individuals, ready to embrace life and all of its exciting opportunities.

The value of performing arts training extends far beyond the opportunities for professional performance features. Recent Stagecoach survey research highlighted the incredible positive impacts the arts have on children's happiness and creativity, with 85% of children citing singing and dancing with their peers as a major contributing factor to their happiness. Almost half (41%) of the nation's parents are concerned that their children are less happy growing up than their generation had been. Encouraging participation in the arts will have undeniable benefits for the wellbeing of both children and parents.

With a network of over 55,000 students and more than 3000 extra-curricular Performing Arts Schools worldwide, Stagecoach aims to make a difference in its students' lives by teaching Creative Courage for Life and many children have gone on to study and work in Performing Arts from blockbuster films to countless roles in local theatre productions. Early Stages classes are available for children aged four to six and Main Stages classes take place for six to 18-year-olds every weekend during term time.

For more information about Stagecoach Performing Arts Richmond please visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/richmond or call 01483 247404.