Back in the West End for the eighth sell-out Razzamataz gala showcase, this time at the Shaftesbury Theatre in the heart of London’s theatreland. The talent, enthusiasm and sheer love for performing arts could be felt from the moment the first school stepped on stage and the applause and support didn’t finish until the very last curtain call.
Introduced by Matt Pagan from Collabro, the winner of Britain’s Got Talent, Matt knows just how these young artists feel, having performed all over the world including Japan, Hong Kong, USA, Canada and Europe as well as four sell-out UK tours.
“I’m delighted to be hosting the gala performance at The Shaftesbury Theatre and being part of this exciting show, which offers an exceptional experience for these young performers. I’ve been fortunate enough to perform on some of the most famous stages in the world with incredible artists so I know what this will mean to the Razzamataz students.”
Act one
Do You Hear The People Sing
Razzamataz Mansfield
Based on one of the most iconic and long-standing musical theatre shows, the talent of the students shone through in their mature and moving performance. Incredible acting from every student, whether lead or supporting cast, in fact, it was hard to believe these youngsters weren’t already professional. Vocally mature with tricky harmonies, the cast took on this emotionally challenging piece and did it so incredibly well. Tackling difficult and mature themes, the cast did not break character for a second and perfectly showcased their dance, acting and singing skills, managing to take on one of the biggest musicals of all time and create an electric start to the Razzamataz showcase. Finishing with the iconic Do you hear the people sing, this was an incredibly rousing performance.
Razz York’s Greatest Show
Razzamataz York
Bursting on stage with bright colours and energy, the students at York performed a fun and innovative piece that gave every student a chance to shine. The young performers took the essence of this popular film and brought their own unique spin on it showing fast paced choreography featuring both street dance and musical theatre styles. A big stage but these young performers took their place in the spotlight and filled it with their talent, energy and joy for what they do every week at Razzamataz. Superb finale showcasing their tricks and cheeky personalities.
Revolting Children
Razzamataz Chester
This iconic musical and now feature film was portrayed brilliantly by the Chester students, showing all the horrors of starting school!! Clever choreography kept the storytelling running throughout the piece and the students did so well to keep up with this challenge. Very mature vocal performance from this young cast who coped with the change of different emotions within each part of the piece. From tear jerkers to riotous fun when the students get one over the Trunchbull! The piece showed their street dance skills and got the audience clapping along.
It’s Time To Dance
Razzamataz Carlisle and Dumfries
With an incredible message of self-belief and courage, life skills that Razzamataz hold close, the students may have been young, but they certainly understood how to portray these big emotions. Amazing solo vocal performers, filling the auditorium of the Shaftesbury with pure joy. Every cast member kept in character for the entire performance whether that be sassy or a little shy, the energy of the teenage years was shown through the exuberant dancing. With sparkling costumers, the finale was a celebration of each and every child shining on the stage.
Any Dream Will Do
Razzamataz Oxford
This much-loved family classic was given a modern update by the Oxford students. This very young cast were not overshadowed by performing on this iconic stage and showed confident vocals and energetic dancing throughout. In fact, they didn’t stop from the moment they ran on stage to their final bow. Lots of energy and capturing the heart of this wonderful show, a huge well done to these students making their West End debut.
Dancing In The Street
Razzamataz Nottingham
Back to the swinging Sixties with the Nottingham students performing some classic Motown hits. Excellent vocals and dances from this iconic era. The students’ energy was infectious and got the audience clapping along, taking them
on this musical journey through time. Belting out some classics such as Ain’t no Mountain High Enough, they even took on the tricky American accent and pulled it off brilliantly.
Rocket Man
Razzamataz Weymouth
Inspired by the hit movie, the students put their own unique spin on the music of Elton John bringing it bang up to date. Extremely sophisticated vocals showcasing incredible talent. Very cool staging and excellent street dance skills from every cast member. Exceptional solo vocal performances with confidence shining out from every student. A masterclass in transforming a classic into something that is cool and contemporary for today’s young people. The attitude and sass combined with sensitive solo performances and humor from all, created a truly unique and mature piece that should make their teachers very proud.
Act two
Because We Can, Can CAN!
Razzamataz Sheffield
A journey of truth, beauty, freedom and love, the Sheffield students welcomed us to the iconic Moulin Rouge to watch stunning dance, sassy vocals and moving storytelling. Confident vocals enabled the students to put their own unique spin on classic pop songs. Fierce and fiery street dance and strong partner work made the dance element of the piece really pop. A mature and sophisticated homage to this hugely popular West End show.
Lion’s Kingdom
Razzamataz South Lakes
Embracing African culture, this very young cast brought the sunshine to the West End stage. A gorgeous combination of stunning vocals, beautiful dance and sensitive storytelling, this was an original piece that combined this much-loved musical with African-inspired dance. Every cast member shined while working together as one entity creating a truly wonderful and highly original piece, which gave every student the opportunity to showcase their talent.
Larger Than Life
Razzamataz Rickmansworth
What if you could change the Romeo and Juliet story? The Rickmansworth students showed us a different way through fantastic song, dance and storytelling. Performing some of the greatest Max Martin hits, the students used comedy to battle out a different ending to the classic Shakespeare hit! Fun and feisty, the students put their acting skills on show and tackled the tricky genre of comedy combined with street dance, medieval dance and pop singing.
Let It Go
Razzamataz Maidstone
Strong and moving vocals kick-started the Maidstone performance of this much-loved film and West End show. With incredible storytelling and stunning solo vocal performances, this homage showcased all the iconic moments from this hugely talented cast. Polished and precise, this was truly a professional piece that was not only lots of fun but showed the amazing training the children receive each week to produce such a talented cast.
You Shall Go To The Ball!
Razzamataz Bristol North and Bristol South
A new twist on an old favorite, this was a fabulous piece with incredible costumes and staging. Stunning vocals, rap and mature acting brought a modern take on this iconic story. Bringing humor into the acting piece showed mature drama skills and created an original piece that the students clearly loved being part of. Both street dance and some Latin inspired numbers brought the energy to the finale, finishing on a high.
Come From Howay
Razzamataz Newcastle
The students at Newcastle portrayed the incredible true and moving story of what happened on the 11th of September 2001 (9/11) in the most beautiful way through song and dance. An incredible moving performance with stunning vocals and sensitive dance. This was an exceptionally poignant piece which the young cast tackled with incredible energy and talent. Combining fun, big emotions and the absolute heart of this show, this talented and mature cast have a big, bright future in front of them. Not a dry eye in the house after this amazing performance.
Divorced, Beheaded, Live!
Razzamataz Carlisle and Dumfries
The final performance to the incredible Razzamataz showcase went to the talented students at Carlisle and Dumfries who showed that the sassy queens of Henry VIII must never been forgotten. Stunning and intricate choreography, strong vocals and plenty of attitude created an outstanding commercial piece that showcased their incredible performance skills. A unique piece with heart, soul, energy and sass that was exceptionally mature and full of talent.
A huge congratulations to each and every student that took part. You did yourselves and us all so proud.
The Stars of Tomorrow!
#BelieveInYou #TheGiftofConfidence
