Performing Arts Students Take to the Stage!

The Craven College Performing Arts Department took to the boards at the Mart Theatre yet again to give a dazzling exhibition of their skills in their performance of Chicago (Teen Version) ably supported by musicians from Ermysted’s Grammar School.

Set in the Roaring Twenties, Chicago tells the story of aspiring performer Roxie Hart who ends up in jail after committing a crime! She meets Velma Kelly and both women try to outshine each other with the help of smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn. This special teen adaptation maintains the energy of the beloved production whilst keeping content appropriate for younger performers and audiences. The show explores themes of friendship, ambition, and the power of the media. With iconic numbers such as “All That Jazz,” students brought “Razzle Dazzle” to the stage.

With a cast and crew made up of all levels of our Performing Arts department from year one to Higher Education, this was a collaborative three-month journey of dancing, singing, and acting. With students additionally taking production roles, the show was a true testament to teamwork!

Dr Alison Birkinshaw, Chair of the Board of Governors commented, “I thoroughly enjoyed it! Chicago’ is such a fast-moving show, it was a great success. The live band worked well, and the students performed with great confidence, concentration, and aplomb. So, a big congratulations to all involved!”

Giles Atkinson, Head of Department – Digital, Creative, & Public Industries added “Last week the Craven College Performing Arts Department staged “Chicago” at the Mart Theatre in Skipton accompanied by musicians from Ermysted’s Grammar School. Set in the “jazz hot” 1920s, the sharp-edged satire on corruption and the “criminal-as-celebrity” phenomenon, follows two rival murderesses who manipulate the media to gain fame and acquittal. The audience loved the show, and the students had a great time performing it!”

Ashley Brennand, who played Billy Flynn said, “I have loved being a part of Chicago The Musical, it’s been an amazing experience working with so many talented individuals. The show week has been so much fun, getting to perform in Skipton and at The Mart Theatre is a real treat, and hope to be able to do it all again in the future!”

Ashley is one of our HNC in Performing Arts, this nationally recognised Level 4 qualification gives students the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to be truly competitive within the Performing Arts sector. Students have the chance to develop their professional practice, improve their movement, acting and singing skills whilst learning about creative arts research, workshop leadership, and creating exciting, immersive performances.

Ashley said, “studying Higher Education at Craven College has been an experience that I will never forget, the tutors and my peers have been so supportive and kind and I have learnt way more than I originally went into the course thinking I would. All of the things I have learnt and done are skills that I will carry throughout life and give me a real boost in the competitive performance industry.”

Find out more about Performing Arts and Higher Education at Craven College or visit us on our upcoming Open Evening.