Musical theatre students deliver a powerful show

Every year the students who are aged 5 – 19 years of age produce a show, enabling them to demonstrate their developing skills in dance, acting and singing.

A dramatic performance called ‘Seeking Sanctuary’, involving all students opened the evening. Highlighting the plight of refugees, the precisely choreographed routine was full of emotion and expression and was very well acted to the poignant music.

An energetic rendition of Katy Perry’s Roar had the audience tapping their feet as did TLC’s ‘Waterfalls’ and ‘Seasons of Love’ from musical Rent. A creepy and atmospheric rendition of the poem ‘The Little Man who wasn’t there’ was faultlessly delivered, the suspense of the piece catching everyone’s imagination. Whilst ‘A dream is a wish your heart makes’ from Disney’s Cinderella was given magical treatment from the academy’s youngest students.

A wide selection of drama pieces stretched the students, with two particularly strong comedy pieces called ‘La Spa Roubish’, about a spa which is less than luxurious and a rhyming poetry piece called ‘Yucky Chucky Tucker’ by Kathy J Parenteau, about a rather mucky boy, these combined both excellent acting skills with clear projection and had the audience chuckling.

Three students Aisling Davey, Saskia Monteiro and Finlay Dickinson also performed their solo LAMDA exam pieces, filing the stage with their presence and delivering word-perfect performances.

Always strong on musical theatre, the students looked like they were enjoying every moment as they dance and sung the ‘School Song’ from Matilda, highlights from ‘Rock of Ages’ and Dr Suess musical ‘Seussical’. All pieces were filled with energy and the choreography was carefully crafted. The evening was rounded-off on a real high with all the students singing, acting and dancing to the uplifting hit ’Bills’, made famous last year by LunchMoney Lewis.

Erin Sheehan, Haywards Heath Principal said: “As Ariel’s newest academy this is just our second showcase but I was delighted with everyone’s performance.

“I have received so many positive comments from parents and it is great to see so much talent coming through the academy. The most rewarding thing for me is to see every student growing in confidence and thoroughly enjoying being part of the show’ Ariel offers free trials at all their drama academies for prospective students aged five to 19.”

Places are currently available at the Haywards Heath Academy which runs every Saturday afternoon at Warden Park School. For more information call 01444 250407 or visit www.arielct.co.uk.