Razzle Dazzle! 250 young people from Razzamataz Newbury put on quite a show!
ALL the months of hard work and preparation finally came to fruition on June 14 and 15 as the children and young people of Newbury put on a show to remember at Arlington Arts.
The cast ranged in age from just four to 17 and all attend part-time theatre school Razzamataz Newbury.
The whole school of 250 students were involved in the performance, giving them the chance to demonstrate what they learn each week in classes and showing off the Razzamataz curriculum of traditional West End musical theatre through to pop singing, street dance and acting for stage and screen.
“I’m so proud of each and every student,” said Razzamataz Newbury principal Debbi Ledwith.
“They really worked hard throughout the rehearsals and during the show, and the progress that they have made has been wonderful to see.”
2025 marks the 10 year anniversary of the Newbury theatre school and the cast treated the audience to a performance where there was something for everyone to enjoy, including the mayor and mayoress.
“Parents, family and friends were really impressed with the students and many couldn’t believe the change in confidence in their children,” said Debbi.
“It takes a lot of courage to go on stage and the whole process of putting on a show teaches young people such wonderful life skills from coping with nerves, working to a deadline, being humble and learning to take criticism with an open mind through to collaborating with a whole crew of people.”
As a well done for all their hard work, students were treated to two specialist workshops after their performance, including a dance masterclass with the choreographer from the West End production of MJ The Musical and a workshop on Acting for TV, with award winning TV presenter Simon Davies.
There are many more exciting opportunities planned for the students of Razz Newbury, including a performance at Disneyland in September and another at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End in December.
Razzamataz Newbury offers a wide range of performing arts styles for children, with classes in dance, drama and singing. In all sessions, the emphasis is on having fun, meeting new friends and keeping fit and healthy. Students range in age from two to 18 and there is a strong emphasis on performance opportunities to help build confidence and skills for life in each student.
Classes are held at Newbury College every Saturday. There is currently the opportunity to book a free trial session on a strictly first come first served basis. For more information about the school and all the various opportunities that are on offer, email newbury@razzamataz.co.uk or call 01635 905404.