Months of hard work pays off for Ariel performers at exhilarating showcase

It was the culmination of many months of work but on Sunday, June 19, Ariel's Haywards Heath students delivered powerful, polished performances in their annual showcase at Chequer Mead, East Grinstead.
Stephen Candy PhotographyStephen Candy Photography
Stephen Candy Photography

Every year the students, who are 5-19 years old, produce a show that lets them show their developing skills in dance, acting and singing.

A dramatic performance called Seeking Sanctuary, which involved 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.

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An energetic rendition of Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’ had the audience tapping their feet as did TLC’s ‘Waterfalls’ and ‘Seasons of Love’ from the musical Rent.

Stephen Candy PhotographyStephen Candy Photography
Stephen Candy Photography

An atmospheric rendition of the poem ‘The Little Man Who Wasn’t There’ was faultlessly delivered, while ‘A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes’ from Disney’s Cinderella was given magical treatment from the 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 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, filling the stage with their presence and delivering word-perfect performances.

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Always strong on musical theatre, the students looked like they were enjoying every moment as they danced and sang the ‘School Song’ from Matilda, and highlights from Rock of Ages and Seussical.

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.

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“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 5 -19.

Places are currently available at the Haywards Heath Academy, which runs every Saturday afternoon at Warden Park School.

For more information about the academy call 01444 250407 or visit www.arielct.co.uk.

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