LVS Ascot Musical Spectacular Draws Standing Ovations And Celebrity Attention

Taking to the stage

Almost 50 students across seven-year groups took to the stage to perform the musical Kipps: The New Half a Sixpence Musical to great acclaim. Aspiring actors performed to hundreds of people across four shows from Thursday 23^rd to Saturday 25^th January, receiving standing ovations as well as attention from those behind the West End smash hit.

Theatrical producer Cameron Mackintosh behind hit musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, and Cats, sent a letter to the cast and staff in advance. He wrote: “I am sure the audiences will be screaming for more and that you will all have a wonderful time! Good luck to you all.”

Actor Charlie Stemp, currently starring in Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre, came to prominence playing Arthur Kipps in the West End production of Half a Sixpence and sent a video good luck message to the LVS Ascot students which you can watch here. He said: “Wishing you all the best of luck with Half a Sixpence, I hope it goes really well.”

LVS Ascot drama teacher and production director Jess Clark said afterward: “It has been wonderful putting on this show and seeing students from Year 7 right up to Year 13 coming together and performing as they have with support from staff, our musical directors, drama teachers, and vocal coaches.”

Being able to perform in an on-site professional theatre is a huge benefit for LVS Ascot’s performing arts students who aspire to emulate Charlie Stemp’s West End success, and one of the lead roles in the school’s production, Kristin Walker (pictured above) who played Ann, said: “My plan is to do musical theatre. I’m hoping to go to drama school after I finish Sixth Form so this has really helped me build confidence for my auditions. Working as an ensemble has helped give me practice working as a team which will be invaluable.”

Watch our short highlights video below which includes interviews with parents, crew, and cast: