Havering College of Further and Higher Education makes West End dreams come true
Hornchurch, Greater London (PRWEB UK) 8 May 2014 -- Havering College of Further and Higher Education in Hornchurch, Greater London, invited schools and other learning organisations to take part in a one-off production of a brand new show at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Haymarket, London – the home of The Phantom of the Opera.
The world premiere of Synergy Street – The Musical on Sunday, May 4th was a show stopper with a real feel good factor.
Cast members ranged from the age of six upwards and included performers with learning or physical challenges. There was hardly a dry eye in the house as 200 young people performed for an audience of more than 1,200.
A year of planning and rehearsals under the leadership of director/producer Peter Dayson brought together talented performers from schools, colleges and learning organisations across Havering, Barking and Dagenham, and Brentwood. These included Ravensbourne School in Harold Hill and Corbets Tey School in Upminster.
Among the cast was Havering College Quarles Campus student Shelley Naor who gave her own personal thanks to college principal Maria Thompson after the finale.
Shelley, aged 24, a Foundation Skills student based at the Havering College Quarles Campus in Harold Hill, is becoming something of a veteran performer having taken part in last year’s college production of Joseph at Her Majesty’s.
Shelley once again summarised it for all by saying: “This is the best day of my life. I want to do it more, more and more.”
Synergy Street’s storyline around the battle to save a much-loved community centre from the threat of closure was brought to life with 12 new songs written by Havering College Music lecturer Mr Dayson.
The principal leads were played by Peter Beadle as caretaker Ron Galpin, Taylor Gannon in the role of caring centre leader Sarah Roberts and Erin Gibson as the formidable kids’ leader.
Another star at heart was Harvey, a Springer Spaniel cross Terrier, owned by Havering College head of management accounts, Barbara Bows, who made his stage debut as the caretaker’s dog.
Joint stage manager for Synergy Street was former Havering College student Laura Garner who now works at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Mr Dayson said: “It takes a year to plan our annual Cross Over Community Projects. Synergy is all about working together to involve young people from all walks of life across the community. This is such a special day for all the students taking part – it’s an experience that will live with them forever.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues in the industry who come every year for supporting us – it means the world to therm.
“Thank you to all the schools that took part, all the carers and staff who have attended rehearsals, particularly mums and dads.”
Havering College of Further and Higher Education holds Artsmark Gold status from Arts Council England in recognition of its commitment to, and excellence in, arts education. If you want a career in the Performing Arts industry, call Havering College Threshold Services on 01708 462801, email [email protected] or visit http://www.havering-college.ac.uk
Kathy Canham, Havering College, +44 1708462702, [email protected]
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