Tilehurst drama academy steals the show in London's West End
Dozens of students from a Tilehurst arts academy have taken to the stage in London's West End.
On Sunday, January 22, 50 students from PQA Reading, a performing arts academy based at Denefield School, joined two other PQA academies in an original musical performance of Trouble's a Brewin'.
Students aged six-19 performed, in full costume, for two whole hours under the dazzling lights of London's prestigious Shaftesbury Theatre.
The coach left Theale early that morning and did not return to West Berkshire until the evening.
"We didn't get back until well after bedtime, but it was so exciting. I couldn't wait to get to school on Monday and tell everyone," said Charlie, from Thatcham.
For many of the students, it was their first time performing in a professional venue. But for others, it has become a home from home.
"It's my second time on the West End stage with PQA and I had a bigger part this time. You just can't explain how it feels, it's amazing," added Jocey, from Mortimer.
Tilly, from Tilehurst, said she "wants to do it every weekend".
Academy principal, Doug Kirby, from Lambourn, thanked all his staff and students for their commitment and hard work and also the parents for bringing their "incredible" children to the academy each weekend.
"I was so proud on the night I couldn't speak," he said.
Former PQA Reading student turned academy assistant, Chloe Bush, currently studies at READ College in Reading but stepped in at the last minute to understudy for an unwell cast member.
"We knew I might need to step in as it has been an ongoing condition," she said.
"Whilst most characters were understudied by junior members, as a larger part we needed a more experienced person.
"I was honoured to step up, and so pleased that though they could not perform their full role, the student managed to appear on stage in several scenes."
The academy, which also teaches filmmaking, will perform again in the West End with a new production next year.
While its afternoon academy plans to perform locally at Leighton Park in Reading on February 18, the morning academy will be performing at Her Majesty's Theatre in March 2024.
