ON SUNDAY, May 17, Stagecoach students from six countries came to the iconic Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End to take part in the first ever StageVision!
Twenty-one students from Stagecoach Performing Arts Bridgend and Cowbridge took on the exhilarating task of representing the whole of Wales in this exciting global competition hosted by the fabulous Hayley Palmer.
These skilled performers, aged from 11-18 years rehearsed tirelessly before travelling all the way to the Capital to represent Wales. Their performance was creatively based on an adaptation of Hadestown, the acclaimed Broadway musical by Anaïs Mitchell. Blending versions of two ancient Greek myths, Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone, the troupe wowed the packed house with their performance and professionalism.
Other countries to take part included Malta, who recreated iconic Eurovision performances from their country, Canada who celebrated the legendary Celine Dion, even renaming the event “CelineVision” while Australia delivered a virtual performance of iconic Ozzy tunes. Frankfurt Nord showed us what it means to be German with a particularly epic techno section, England took on The Devil Wears Prada and absolutely slayed the house down.
But it was Wales who were victorious by public vote. Much like Eurovision, that took place the night before, audience members voted for their favourite performance. While the votes were being counted, the audience was treated to guest performances from Luca Mo, Bird College, and last year’s UK Eurovision entry, Remember Monday!
Stagecoach Bridgend and Cowbridge Principal Jaye could not be prouder of her dedicated troupe.
She added: “Being able to give our students the chance to perform on a professional West End stage, something many young performers dream of, is what makes Stagecoach really unique.
“To see children and young people from Wales travelling to London to represent their Stagecoach school is incredibly special.
“It is a huge achievement and a real celebration of their talent, dedication, and courage and shows how powerful performing arts can be. It gives young people confidence, ambition.
“Watching them prepare for this opportunity has been incredibly moving, We are especially proud of the way the students have approached this opportunity with such enthusiasm, professionalism, and excitement.
“They have shown wonderful teamwork and commitment throughout rehearsals, supporting one another, and giving their absolute best.
“This event will be a huge milestone for them, and we know their families were incredibly proud watching them perform at the Shaftesbury Theatre.
“We are also incredibly grateful to our Stagecoach families for their continued support, encouragement, and commitment. Opportunities like this really do bring our whole Stagecoach community together.”
With a network of over 60,000 students and more than 3,000 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.
For more information about Stagecoach Bridgend and Cowbridge email [email protected], visit Stagecoach Bridgend and Cowbridge’s webpage or call Principal Jaye Lawrence on 01656 800838
