STUDENTS DESTINED FOR THE WEST END PERFORM CURTAIN CALL CABARET

VARIETY SHOW DEMONSTRATES PERFORMING ARTS STUDENTS’ VERSATILITY 

Performing Arts students from Ivybridge Community College – many of whom have their sights set on a professional career in entertainment – last night showed off their versatility in Curtain Call Cabaret.

The two-hour show, which was held at Ivybridge Community College’s Performance Hall, saw the 31 ambitious students performing 25 acts from a variety of musicals in a cabaret-style setting to an enthralled audience.

The acts were put together by the students themselves with direction from the College’s Performing Arts staff, and included an all-male interpretation of ‘Cell Block Tango’ from Chicago, ‘Run and Tell That’ from Hairspray, ‘Two Ladies’ from Cabaret, ‘Lay All Your Love on Me’ from Mamma Mia, and ‘The New World’ from Songs for a New World.  In addition to being a tremendously entertaining evening for members of the audience, the show also formed a critical part of the Level 3 BTEC Performing Arts students’ assessments.

“The standard of performance tonight was tremendous,” said Heidi Ruskin, Assistant Head of Performing Arts at Ivybridge Community College, “and I have no doubt that we’ll be seeing many of tonight’s performers on West End stages or on our screen in the not-too-distant future.  Ivybridge has been verified as one of the top BTEC Performing Arts courses in the country, so our students have the perfect platform from which to launch the next stage of their careers.”

Curtain Call Cabaret had a fast-moving pace and was compered by rising talent John Archer, who was last seen playing the part of Inspector Javert in 2013’s spectacular production of Les Mis.

“What an amazing experience,” said John. “Tonight was tremendous fun, exhilarating and awesome, and it was so rewarding to hear the crowd’s positive reactions.  I know what I want to do with my life – and performing on stage is it.  Two years ago I had very little direction, but since becoming involved with performing arts at Ivybridge, I have no doubt that my future lies in acting.  Performing Arts has given me confidence, self-belief and a drive to do something that I love, and I can’t thank my teachers at Ivybridge enough for bringing that out in me.”

Among the performers in the show was Emma Locke, who had previously played the starring role of Poison Ivy in the College’s Fantasy show in December.  Emma is planning to use the ‘The Stars and the Moon’ piece that she performed in the cabaret as a solo audition piece for her interview at the Guildford School of Acting.  Another student performing in the cabaret was Molly Dixon, who performed the lead role of Tracy in the musical number ‘Good Morning Baltimore’. She also performed a leading role ‘A Stud and a Babe’ with Kyle Turner.  Molly is studying three A levels alongside BTEC Performing Arts.

“I love everything about my Performing Arts course, particularly the singing and dancing elements,” said Molly.  “My ultimate dream is to perform in the West End, but before that I aim to study at ArtsEd in London.  I’ve been given so many opportunities to perform while I’ve been at Ivybridge, as we’re always working on a new show.  I love the hard work – and it stops me getting bored.”

All of the students that performed in Curtain Call Cabaret were either studying BTEC Performing Arts, A Level Drama, or in Ivybridge Community College’s Musical Theatre Group.

“The audience got a rare treat, experiencing an exceptionally wide variety of talent from some unique performers,” added Heidi Ruskin.  “Every student on stage tonight has worked extremely hard to pull the show together, and I’m very proud of them.  Our current crop of Performing Arts students is particularly strong and some have already secured auditions at the UK’s top musical theatre colleges.  What’s more, not only are they inspiring Ivybridge’s next generation of performers but also many students from further afield are now choosing to come here to study on our A Level and BTEC courses.”

Student Emma Nelder, who performed in six acts and is also a member of the Plymouth Theatre Group, said: “I was nervous, but thoroughly enjoyed performing.  I chose not to do BTEC Performing Arts, but just being out there on stage tonight made me wish that I had.  It’s a tough choice between studying at university or drama school as being on stage is in my heart.”

Ivybridge Community College has a number of upcoming performances in the pipeline.  These include the BTEC students’ abridged performances of Steven Berkoff’s ‘Metamorphosis’ and Jim Cartwright’s ‘Road’– both at the end of April – a Spotlight Theatre Company performance in May, and a huge whole-college production of ‘Oliver!’ in July.

-Ends-

PHOTOS

1.      Performers of ‘Cell Block Tango’ (L to R): Frazer Wearne, George Berry, Josh Bean, Alex Dover, Charlie Heptinstall, and Kyle Turner

2.      Charlie Heptinstall in ‘Cell Block Tango’ (from Chicago by Kander & Ebb)

3.     Kyle Turner and Molly Dixon in ‘A Stud and a Babe’ (from I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change by Roberts & DiPetro)

4.      The full cast of ‘Curtain Call Cabaret’

5.      John Archer, compare for the night

6.      Emma Locke and George Berry in ‘Good Morning’ (from Singin' in the Rain)

Notes to editors

About Ivybridge Community College
Ivybridge Community College is a success-orientated establishment, which has always prided itself on supporting students to achieve to their highest potential.

It has an OFSTED rating of Outstanding for the last twenty years.

The College's goal is to motivate and challenge its students. Talented and dedicated staff, disciplined students, supportive parents and an enthusiastic Governing Body, all work for a common purpose – allowing students to flourish.

Press contact
For further information, photos, or to interview Rob Haring contact Gill Taylor, Deputy Principal, on 01752 691000, icc@ivybridge.devon.sch.uk.