School students from across the region were captivated by the dazzling performances at the recent school’s matinee of the Kingsclere Performing Arts Summer Showcase, held at the Haymarket Theatre.

On Friday, June 21, the matinee featured a variety of acts performed by the talented students of Kingsclere Performing Arts, the performing arts academy partner of Newbury College, demonstrating their skills in musical theatre, acting, and dance.

Acts showcased were carefully curated extracts from the students’ other public performances over the past academic year including musical number “Suddenly Seymour” from the smash-hit Little Shop of Horrors, and a dramatic piece from Oliver Lansley’s Immaculate, a comic take on divine birth.

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Other musical numbers and dramatic pieces came from West End and Broadways favourites including Avenue Q, The Phantom of the Opera, The Play That Goes Wrong, Jersey Boys, Mean Girls, The Color Purple, The Little Big Things, A…My Name is Alice, Operation Mincemeat, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Come from Away.

Students also performed perfectly choreographed dances to hits including Justin Timberlake’s “Lovestoned”, which the group had previously performed at Move It 2024, and a celebration of diversity and inclusion with a Pride Month-inspired tribute to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”.

Students from years 10 and 11 across local schools attended the eventStudents from years 10 and 11 across local schools attended the event (Image: Newbury College)

Students from years 10 and 11 across local schools attended the event, which aimed to inspire and engage young people with live theatre.

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Linzi Mills, a student from Winton Community Academy, said: "It was amazing to see all the hard work and talent of Kings PA. It has inspired me to audition for the college next school year!"

Principal of Kingsclere Performing Arts, Hannah Horton, said: "The team and I are immensely proud of the progress our students have made. The Summer Showcase is a testament to their hard work and the comprehensive training they receive. We are thrilled to share their talents with the local schools and inspire the next generation of performing artists."

The showcase not only celebrated the accomplishments of the Performing Arts students but also underscored the value of engaging with the community to foster a love for the arts among young people. 

Anyone wishing to find out more about the Performing Arts programme offered by Kingsclere Performing Arts in partnership with Newbury College, can visit newbury-college.ac.uk.

For those interested in other full-time vocational programmes, Newbury College is holding a Taster Day on July 15. Register to attend at newbury-college.ac.uk/taster.