Newbury performing arts showcase raises more than £2,000 for The Mary Hare Foundation

Nearly 250 theatre-goers enjoyed a captivating evening of dance, music and theatre from young West Berkshire talent at Arlington Arts, on Tuesday, March 5, raising more than £2,000 for The Mary Hare Foundation in the process.

The Nicola Moran Academy of Drama launched the inaugural Ignite the Stage event, which offers local performing arts talent, the opportunity to participate in a packed 90-minute mixed set.

For many performers, it was their first experience of appearing on a professional stage, with sound, lighting and a full technical rehearsal.

This vibrant celebration of local creativity and community included 20 acts, from St. Finian’s Primary School Glee Club; Harri Hayes and several dancers from The Allenova School of Dancing; Isabel Tucker and Benjamin Pointer from the Maia Henderickx Vocal Studios; Bella Moran, Olivia Hodgson, Lucie Hopkins-McQuillan and Ellie and Issy Anns from The Nicola Moran Academy of Drama; St Gabriel’s School VIVA! Dance Company; Kennet School A-level Dancers; Mary Hare Boys Dance Company; Tori Watson and The Blueburton band from The Downs School and Amy Oliver and Annabelle Prowse from St. Bartholomew’s Performing Arts.

The showcase director Nicola Moran praised the performers for their dedication and high-production standards (some of the participants have won places at highly sought-after performing arts companies this autumn) and also Arlington Arts for opening up their theatre to young local talent.

The mayor and mayoress of Thatcham Mark and Jenny Lillycrop attended and the mayor thanked the performers and the Ignite the Stage team for highlighting the breadth of exceptional performing arts talent right on our doorstep.

He closed with the suggestion that the audience were most likely watching future stars of stage and screen that very evening.

The next Ignite The Stage showcase will be held at Arlington Arts on March 11, 2025, at 7pm.