On Thursday 8 May, we hosted a celebratory evening for all pupils that have been involved in music, drama and dance events this past academic year.
The special event acknowledged and celebrated the sheer hard work, determination, creativity and talent of nearly 300 pupils involved in Performing Arts at Bryanston, spanning drama productions, dance classes and music ensembles. A video message from Actress and OB Emilia Fox both surprised and delighted the audience.
Addressing the pupils gathered together, Duncan Fowler-Watt commented: “Coade Hall turns sixty in May next year. Think of all the pupils, staff, visiting theatre companies, orchestras, masterclasses, workshops, celebrities that have walked on this stage. You are all part of Bryanston’s Performing Arts history.”
Congratulating pupils individually, Director of Performing Arts Vicki Green and Duncan Fowler-Watt invited pupils on stage to receive their Awards. The following were presented on the night, and further awards will be given at Speech Day in July.
- A3 Festival Award (celebrating 25 years of an incredible event) for Directing and Producing – Lily G and Lila P-B
- A3 Festival Technical Award – Matteo P
- Rising Star Award – Lizzy O and William V
- Music Contribution Award – Alex B and Charlie B
- Dance Contribution Award – Lucy C
- Dance Performance Award – Lucy G
- Actor Award – James H
- Actress Award – Margo I
- Musical Actor Award – Xandi S
- Musical Actress Award – Grace M
- Technical Award – Angus M
Vicki commented: “In addition, we gave a Special Bryanston Lifetime Award to Xandi S who was over the moon and tearfully, received a standing ovation from his peers. Xandi has been an outstanding performing arts pupil in his five years at the school. He has been the greatest ambassador in his willingness to learn, his teamwork, kind spirit, caring nature, hunger to learn, developing as the best version of himself and his extraordinary talent.”
Last summer we won a Dynamic Performing Arts Award with Muddy Stilettos, an outstanding recognition of all our pupils’ collective hard work. It has been a productive and creative year of events, with highlights including:
MUSIC
- The London Concert with around 100 pupils taking part.
- Spring Choral Concert at Christchurch Priory involving the Chamber Choir and several pupils playing alongside the professionals in the orchestra.
- Chamber Choir singing Choral Evensong at Salisbury Cathedral.
- String Day in partnership with Trinity Laban Conservatoire.
- Guys and Dolls pupils playing in the ‘dice’ pit.
- Over 50 practical musical exams in the Autumn and Spring terms, including 15 Grade 8s.
- Carl A and Molly O passed their singing ARSM with Distinction.
DRAMA
- Guys and Dolls production.
- Performing Arts Open Doors Day, welcoming Sam Lisher, Gina Beck and our very own Laura Blake.
- ‘My Voice, My Story’ performance as part of A2 Charities Weekend, a collaborative performance between our Sixth Form pupils and pupils at the Gill Sherlock Memorial School in Eastern Uganda. Ugandan pupils shared personal stories and their passion for dance on film, while Bryanston pupils offered their own reflections on school life and adolescence. Funds raised from this will go towards purchasing performing arts equipment for the Gill Sherlock Memorial School.
- A weekend of creativity and fun at our annual A3 Festival.
DANCE
- Our elite Nova Dance Company, joined by talented dancers from across the school, brought to life a contemporary reimagining of Alice in Wonderland.
- MOVE IT dance expo in Excel London.
- Dancers involved in ‘Dance Live Competition’ and competed at a high level.
The remainder of the Summer term promises plenty more exciting events, including our D performance of 1984, Senior production of Twelfth Night and BryFest in the final week of term.
Catering organised popcorn and drinks for the pupils and a photobooth was thoroughly enjoyed by all the pupils.
