Stagecoach Blog

This summer, the Surrey Hills came alive with ‘The Sound of Music’, thanks to a performance by Stagecoach Performing Arts students. 

Stagecoach’s Summer Showcase event took place at the famous Rose Theatre in Kingston on 16th and 17th August with around 80 Stagecoach Students from across the globe entertaining audiences with a rendition of the much-loved musical.

First premiering on Broadway in 1959, ‘The Sound of Music’ was the final musical collaboration from the highly acclaimed duo Rodgers & Hammerstein. The 1965 film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer earned five Oscars and became a huge family favourite due to its heart-warming story, predominantly young cast and breath-taking backdrops of Salzburg. 

This year’s talented cast of Stagecoach students, who hailed from schools across the UK and abroad, including Malta and Spain, were chosen from hundreds of applicants. After successful passing through the audition phase, they took part in a two-week residential course in Twickenham, training under the guidance of industry professionals to create the performance.
 

The hardworking and talented cast was being steered by a fantastic creative team, Gary Jerry, a former Stagecoach student, directed the performance. Gary has forged a formidable career in the performing arts, most recently touring China with the successful singing troupe, the 12 Tenors. He has been supported by award-winning choreographer, Daniel Todd, and musical director Matt Abrams, who also brought a wealth of experience to the role, having previously led the musical direction of Little Shop of Horrors and The Godfather on their UK tour.  

Spencer, 16, has been attending Stagecoach Worthing since he was three and played the role of Captain Von Trap. He said, “I have learned so much from the experience of being part of the Summer Showcase. The creative team are amazing – they have such enthusiasm and so much knowledge and skills to pass on. It’s a great opportunity.” 

Olivia, 17, from Stagecoach Banbury, played Maria in this year’s show and says, “Stagecoach – and the Showcases I’ve done – have given me the perfect foundations of discipline, technique and audition skills. Not only is it two weeks of fun, but it’s also two weeks of really valuable training and networking to help you secure a place in the performing arts industry.”

Congratulations to all our talented students who took part in this year’s Summer Showcase and the professional crew who put it all together. Well done!