Hundreds of students. Fourteen schools. One unforgettable night.
The atmosphere inside London’s Shaftesbury Theatre was electric as Razzamataz Theatre Schools delivered one of its most breathtaking showcases to date — a vibrant, high-energy celebration marking both the company’s 10th West End appearance and the triumphant finale to its 25th anniversary year.
The evening featured an extraordinary variety of performances, each one meticulously crafted and thrillingly executed. Students brought to life the political passion of Evita, the cinematic soundscape of Hadestown, the magic of Matilda, the glittering fun of Barbie, the nostalgia of High School Musical, the infectious joy of Mamma Mia and the powerful storytelling of Hercules.
From crisp harmonies and pitch-perfect solos to complex ensemble movement and seamless transitions, the show demonstrated not only the quality of training Razzamataz delivers but the deep confidence, teamwork and resilience developed within the schools. Families were moved to tears. Audiences jumped to their feet. And the pride radiating from every student was unmistakable.
It was, in every sense, a West End production — performed by children.
Razzamataz Theatre Schools Founder, Denise Gosney said “This showcase was the ultimate celebration of everything Razzamataz stands for — opportunity, confidence, community and joy. To end our 25th anniversary year with 240 students shining on a West End stage was incredibly special. Their hard work, passion and professionalism are what drive us forward and inspire us to keep creating these life-changing experiences.”
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The curtain may have fallen on this year’s West End showcase — but the next chapter of Razzamataz’s legacy is already being written.
The reviews are in:
Newcastle – Peron
Newcastle opened the evening with a level of focus and conviction that instantly pulled the audience into Argentina’s political heartbeat. Their adaptation of Evita was bold, sophisticated and beautifully controlled, a masterclass in student commitment. From the moment the first accents landed, it was clear this cast had done their homework; the authentic Argentinian dialects were handled with maturity far beyond their years.
Slick fan choreography, precise use of props and an ensemble that moved as one unit created a sense of real theatrical depth. “What Happens Now?” was a true goosebump moment, the kind that hushes an entire auditorium and Don’t Cry for Me Argentina soared with pitch-perfect clarity. Newcastle delivered a polished, emotionally charged opener that set the bar high and showed exactly what happens when discipline and heart collide.
Bristol North & South – Whip Crack Away!
Bristol stormed the stage with a burst of feel good energy, the kind that hits you before the music even starts. Their take on Calamity Jane was joyful, characterful and full of personality. The students’ accents, storytelling choices and comedic timing revealed a depth of studio work around character development that truly paid off under the stage lights.
The ensemble sound was warm, cohesive and confident, with harmonies that wrapped around the audience like a hug from the Old West. You couldn’t help but tap your toes and clap along; it was infectious in the best possible way. Bristol delivered a piece that felt like watching a cast who genuinely loved performing together, and that camaraderie radiated into the room.
Newbury – The Road to Hell
Choosing Hadestown is brave. and Newbury proved they were more than ready for the challenge. Their piece had all the hallmarks of a company thinking like professionals: sharp harmonic blends, exquisite diction, and casting choices that truly matched each student’s vocal tone and character type.
The ensemble brought an atmospheric precision that made the stage feel fully alive. Vocals were rich, controlled and beautifully balanced, creating a sound that felt almost cinematic. Every moment was delivered with intention, and the students carried the weight and complexity of this modern classic with impressive maturity. A unanimous “yes, yes, yes” from the audience and a piece that absolutely deserves a longer life.
Torbay – Life in Plastic
Torbay delivered pure joy in pink, bold, bubbly and full of personality. Their Barbie tribute burst with life from the moment they stepped on stage. Stunning costumes, razor-sharp transitions and a real “company feel” made this piece an absolute standout. And the inspired dual-Ken casting, from the Ryan Gosling doppelgänger to the charmingly sweet counterpart, was a stroke of comedic genius.
Vocals were strong and expressive, and the intention from each performer was clear and consistent throughout. The choreography to What Was I Made For? was beautifully shaped, capturing both vulnerability and strength. Torbay’s piece radiated respect, teamwork and talent – a feel good celebration of young performers who genuinely enjoyed every second.
West Cumbria – Digging the Dancing Scene
West Cumbria stepped into the spotlight looking like a unified, professional dance company from top to toe, costumes, shoes, styling and attitude all aligned. Their opening sequence was slick, detailed and visually striking; the kind of choreography that makes you wish you had a camera to capture each stage picture.
The transitions were fast paced and packed with energy, yet never lost precision. Vocals were crisp and confident, harmonies blended beautifully, and the slow-motion effects across the piece were cleverly used to enhance storytelling and movement. Their commitment was unmissable – every performer fully engaged, fully alive, fully present. A powerhouse ensemble who left everything on that stage.
Medway – A Little Bit Naughty
Medway closed Act 1 in spectacular fashion. Their Matilda inspired piece was bursting with precision and creativity. Clever costumes and inventive staging brought the alphabet to life through movement and music, showcasing the imagination and thought that clearly went into every detail.
From Matilda to Miss Honey, every student held their space with confidence. You didn’t know where to look – not because of chaos, but because every performer was so engrossed in character that the piece felt alive in every corner. The choreography revealed what is clearly one of Medway’s strengths as a school: disciplined, dynamic dance work delivered with joy. An unforgettable, high impact act break.
Mansfield – Pink is the New Black
Act 2 opened with Mansfield’s electric tribute to Pink and it was everything you’d hope for: powerful, heartfelt and full of attitude. The choreography blended commercial energy with lyrical storytelling, allowing the cast to explore both vulnerability and strength.
The commitment from every student was palpable. Vocals were strong, the intention was clear, and the journey through Pink’s music felt curated with real artistic thought. This was more than a medley – it was a narrative. And honestly, Pink herself would have been proud to see her songs honoured with such heart on a West End stage. A wonderfully balanced fusion of story, dance and vocality.
Mansfield and Nottingham – Ease on Down the Road
Nottingham brought fun, colour and pure sunshine to the stage. From the first beat, you could see how much joy the performers felt and that energy spread instantly through the auditorium. The dynamics lifted even further during A Brand New Day, when the sunglasses came on and the whole piece seemed to ignite.
Vocals were confident and expressive, with a lovely sense of ensemble unity. Every student had a moment to shine, and the ending landed with real punch, leaving the audience smiling and wanting more. A vibrant, heart-warming celebration of storytelling and togetherness.
Coventry – Status: Unquo’d
Coventry made their West End debut with flair, confidence and a beautifully modernised take on High School Musical. The attention to detail was outstanding, from the choreography to those brilliant “Razz Coventry” basketball tops, everything felt intentional and joyfully owned.
This was a talented bunch who worked as a genuine ensemble, matching sharp movement with expressive storytelling and vocals that carried real clarity and spirit. A cast fully connected to each other, to the story and to the moment. For a debut, this wasn’t just strong – it was a statement. Coventry arrived, stamped their name firmly on that stage, and left the audience wanting to see what they’ll do next.
Maidstone – Freak Flag
Maidstone’s young cast proved that age has absolutely nothing to do with stage presence. These pocket rockets owned the stage with confidence, charm and infectious joy. Their costumes were delightful, and the ensemble reactions created breathtaking stage pictures, especially given the youth of the cast.
From the Dragon to Puss in Boots, from the Three Bears to the Big Bad Wolf, each character was executed with clarity and heart. The commitment was unwavering, and the memories they made last night will stay with them, and their parents, forever. A shining example of how young performers can command a West End stage with total confidence.
Plymouth – Where We Belong
Plymouth’s piece began with a striking, powerful opening that instantly demanded the audience’s attention. What followed was a beautifully crafted journey of unity, talent and emotional storytelling. The cast gelled with a maturity that felt far beyond their age range, creating a real sense of connection.
The costumes added detail, supporting a piece that felt emotionally alive from start to finish. Their vocals carried sincerity; their movement carried conviction. And as the final harmonies rang out, we were left genuinely believing every single one of them will go the distance.
Weymouth & Dorchester – Legacy in Motion
Closing the night is no small task and Weymouth & Dorchester delivered a finale that absolutely lifted the roof. MJ choreography is famously demanding, yet this cast handled it with remarkable precision and timing. The hat work alone, clean, controlled, not a single drop, was enough to impress the most seasoned industry professional.
Smooth Criminal hit the stage with power, style and commitment from every MJ in the cast. And the Makaton sign-off brought an emotional stillness to the room, a beautiful, thoughtful touch that embodied everything Razzamataz stands for. A pitch-perfect close to a night filled with pride, joy and unforgettable memories.
Across all twelve schools, the heart of Razzamataz burned sooooooo brightly last night. Talent, professionalism and sheer love of performing met in one unforgettable celebration. Each student stood taller, each Principal shone with pride. And for parents, audience members, this was a living, breathing example of confidence, connection, opportunity, and memories that last a lifetime.
