Spring 2008
“Darren Carnal plays Gollum in Lord of the Rings at Drury Lane”
We begin this news letter with the proud announcement that two of our ex students Ales Owen Hobbs and Emily Hawgood are appearing together in The West End production of Chicago at the Adelphi Theatre. To have one ex student in Chicago is great but two at the same time is a great achievement and I am looking forward to watching Alexis and Emily perform in London later this month. “Cell Block Tango” will certainly be very special with Alexis and Emily included in the cast.
Emily Hawgood 2007
Alexis Owen Hobs 2007
Darren Carnal’s career goes from strength to strength and to be selected to play Gollum in “Lord of the Rings” is a wonderful achievement - both for Darren and for our Dance School.
Following many years of dance and musical theatre training at Allesley - Alexis went on to Arts Ed. and Darren and Emily graduated to complete their training at Laine Theatre Arts School in London. We are proud to announce that Alice Langford has now gained a place at Laine. As Liam Tamne departs from Laine in September - and heads for great Musical Theatre success his place will be taken by Alice - so keeping the tradition of Allesley to Laine alive.
Alice Langford (2nd from right) with friends at White Lodge
On 12th March I was invited by Betty Laine (Founder of Laine Theatre Arts) to be a guest at the Awards Performance at The Epsom Playhouse.
The tension was high as the young talented performers waited in the wings to perform and then to be adjudicated by the wonderful West End Star (and judge of Dancing On Ice) Miss Ruthie Henshall. These students had previously won their way through heats to enable them to take part in these final awards. Our own Liam Tamne was among these amazingly talented young stars.
Liam performed a beautiful and moving rendering of “Kiss the Air” and this brought tears to many eyes (including mine!)
Ruthie Henshall was also very impressed and moved by Liam’s exquisite performance and gave him first prize. I was so proud as many prominent performers and teachers gave both Liam and me congratulations and he was declared by all to be a future “star”
As both Lizzie and I have said so many times “Watch this Space!”
Liam Tame 2008
Lisa Sharrott, Verity Mooney and Sarah Dewis have also gained places at London’s top Musical Theatre schools. After spending so many years of their lives training at Allesley - they will be departing from my school in September to follow their dreams .
Lisa Sharrott
Verity Mooney 2008
Sarah Dewis
All students at Allesley - ranging from the two year olds to seniors are invited to take part in our “Festival Showcase 2009”
The Showcase will take place at Royal Leamington Spa Theatre on January 10th and 11th January 2009.
Preparations for our show are already underway and students are excited and “ready to go” for another production at Leamington. We now have little Megan (5)“on board” who is the daughter of the superb lighting and sound duo at the Spa Centre - a compliment indeed from the Technical crew at Leamington!
"Happy troupe after performing at the Leamington Spa Theatre in 2006"
Immediately after Christmas (2008) I am planning to organise a trip for parents and students to Disneyland Paris. I feel it would be a reward for the students for their hard work for the show and I have finally succumbed to pressure from my pupils to visit Disney again . Details will follow in the months ahead.
The examination results over the last year have been particularly special as so many seniors have gained top grades in particularly difficult QCA registered examinations.
Emily Collins and Louise Middleton are training at Allesley/London for the British Ballet Organizations Government accredited Ballet Teaching Diplomas.
Students gained 100% success’ with all examination entries during 2007 with many gaining distinctions.
“ DAN KRIKLER and Sophie Ayres starring in Yog’s production of High School Musical”
We look forward once again watching our students perform in Yog’s (Youth Operetta group) forthcoming production - many of them taking lead roles. In May - Kate Eaves and Dan Krikler play leading roles in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” as they join a strong cast who will perform at the College Theatre prior the Theatre closing for a minimum of 6 months for a “make-over“.
“Amanda Lavin joins Allesley”
Jazz at Allesley is now being taught by our lovely and talented new teacher Amanda Lavin. I am thrilled to welcome Amanda to our school. She is an excellent teacher and choreographer. All students are thoroughly enjoying their jazz classes with Amanda. Lizzie teaches jazz to the very young children and after a sound and fun beginning these young students are handed over to Amanda who continues with their training.
"Jo's last day"
Sad goodbye to Jo Denham who had taught Jazz at Allesley for 6 years.
Ceira Simmons, Emily Collins and Alice Langford with Jo.
During 2007 the School has gained a record number of prestigious BBO Ballet and Jazz Scholarships .More details of these awards will be in the next newsletter. However below is a picture of two great friends celebrating their success’ (in warmer days!!!)
Charlotte Bailey and Chloe Broad
Finally here are a few pictures for you of my memorable Trip to Tibet. A never to be forgotten experience to an extraordinary, beautiful and thought provoking country. Despite the traumatic experience of my daughter Alison badly breaking her leg and watching her set off at altitude, on a dreadful journey home - I gained so much from visiting Tibet, meeting its very special - good living people and savouring its culture.
“memories of Tibet 2007”
June Pughe
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