performing arts evening

Tonight we have been delighted to host our Performing Arts Evening 2024, and we could not have rounded off what has been another great year for UGS in a more fabulous way.

We were taken on a journey through music, dance, and drama, celebrating the many talents of our UGS band, dancers, LAMDA students, GCSE Music students, Junior choir, Senior Choir (including staff), and technicians.

A stunning performance of `Seasons of Love` (Rent) by our Senior Choir opened proceedings:

It was then time for a LAMDA performance of `Freeze your Brain` (Heathers) from Adam:

We were treated to several impressive GCSE music performances: on piano from Daniela of Maroon 5's `Payphone`, from Euan of Chopin's Prelude in E minor, and from Ritta of `Billie's song`; in addition to Laura's guitar performance of `Let Her Go`, and Zach's Alto Saxophone solo `Le Petit Chien`:

There were further LAMDA performances from Daniel of `Follow Follow`:

And from Evelyn of `Maybe this Time` from Cabaret:

There was a fantastic showcase of dance from Lucy and Gabby of Lose Control, choreographed by year 12 Emilia, before our Junior Choir performed Waving through a Window (Dear Evan Hansen):

And our band had us Walking on Sunshine, courtesy of Mr Harrison's arrangement, just before the Interval:

After some light refreshments, it was then time to settle down for part two of the evening, and it did not fail to deliver, starting with an elegant showcase of dance: `Here It Is` from Emilia: 

There were more LAMDA performances: Ayah and Gabby of extracts from Anne Cartwright's `Fault`:

Zach's `Stage Struck` and Ella's extract from Priestley's `An Inspector Calls`:

Corey gave Lin-Manuel Miranda a veritable run for his money with `You'll be back` from Hamilton:

There were still more spine-tingling GCSE music performances to enjoy, including Olutomi's `The Spanish Guitar` piano solo, Isaiah's `Redowa de Wallerstein` violin solo:

Andrew's epic `Fur Elise` (Beethoven), and Julie's `Summer` piano solo:

There was just time to be treated to one more song from our Junior Choir: `When I grow up` (Matilda):

Before the epic ensemble grand finale of none other than Abba's Dancing Queen, again arranged by our very own Mr Harrison, with Ms Langham on piano (lead picture & below):

Mrs Wall closed proceedings by delivering thanks to all the students and staff who had worked so hard together to produce the magic this evening; to Ms Langham, Mrs Glen, Mr Harrison and LAMDA lead Mrs Niland for their dedication to orchestrating so many opportunities in the Performing Arts for our students; and to all the parents, carers and staff who supported tonight's event.

Really well done all, we could not be more proud!

And you can hear tonight's magic, and keep up with all the wonderful work of our Performing Arts department, on their Insta @performingartsugs