Read our latest Blog from Stagecoach Theatre Arts

Summer Showcase 2021 The Wizard of Oz

September 03, 2021
Summer Showcase 2021 The Wizard of Oz
August 2021, our flagship Stagecoach Summer Showcase returned! After a year of Zoom classes for many of our students, we are pleased to be able to return; performing together and seeing friends again. 
 
This year's chosen show was The Wizard of Oz, based on the 1939 film which made a star out of legendary actress Judy Garland. This heartwarming story went on to win two Oscars and become a firm family favourite. 

Gary Jerry, musical director for many of our showcases said,
"The Wizard of Oz was chosen because of its themes of a magical world and to spread a bit of happiness after such a long year apart."
 

This year’s cast of Stagecoach students was chosen from hundreds of applicants. After successfully passing the audition phase, they planned to take part in a two-week residential course in Twickenham, training under the guidance of industry professionals to create the performance.
 
Matt Clark, Head of Production and Performance at Stagecoach said, 
“We’re so delighted to be back in rehearsal with our students, having the opportunity to work with our wonderfully talented students  in person after 16 months is something the whole creative team was really looking forward to.” 

The live performances were due to take place at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre in Woking, Surrey on the 12th, 13th and 14th August with 66 Stagecoach students including five from our school in Malta. However, due to a positive COVID test among the students the performances in the theatre sadly had to be cancelled.
 
The students were obviously heartbroken about this but “The show…” as they say “...must go on!”. The remaining cast members pulled together to put on a magnificent performance at the Twickenham rehearsal studios which was filmed to enable them to share with friends and family.
 
The students showed amazing resilience and creative courage and supported each other through this challenging time. It really was testament to the strong bond they had developed over the last few weeks. After their performance the students were collected by their parents and taken home. It was an incredibly sad moment, yet proved that the cast and crew could overcome adversity in the most positive way possible.
 
The final of the performance was an ensemble version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. This was an emotional moment for everyone. 

We would like to say a huge thank you and well done to all the students and their families, the crew, creatives and Events team for all their hard work on this production of The Wizard of Oz.
 
The Stagecoach flagship Summer Showcase will be back in 2022. Keep an eye on our social media channels for the show reveal.