GIFTED students from the Stagecoach Performing Arts group in Basingstoke graced the iconic West End Shaftesbury Theatre.

The students travelled many miles to London to perform on Sunday, July 2 and worked tremendously hard during rehearsals in what made for a spectacular event.

As part of the show, the students performed a variety of renditions of world-famous songs from musicals, films and television shows, and artists, from the likes of Elvis, Chicago, Pharrell Williams, The Wizard of Oz, and Kate Bush among many others.

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On the night, guests of families and friends alike were able to enjoy a plethora of performances by students from all over the country, including Farnham, Bicester, Godalming, Medway, Braintree, Bromley, Cwmbran & Monmouth, Letchworth & Hitchin, York, and Edinburgh.

Stagecoach’s students have been able to grace the iconic venue with a multitude of amazing performances from Stagecoach’s students for many years, and this is another enormous milestone for Stagecoach’s summer term, these showcases building on the student’s creativity, courage and skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Stagecoach Basingstoke West principal Rachel Barker said: “Themes of inclusion, acceptance and family run throughout and are heard on soundbites written and performed by our students. I am so incredibly proud of the students who really excelled themselves on the West End stage. A brilliant day of performing and making lasting memories."

In the 35 years since launching, Stagecoach Performing Arts has seen more than one million students unlock their creative potential.

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A recent Stagecoach survey research highlighted the incredible positive impacts the arts have on children’s happiness and creativity, with 85 per cent of children citing singing and dancing with their peers as a major contributing factor to their happiness.

Stagecoach Basingstoke principals James and Danica Bulgin also added: “We took two pieces to the Shaftesbury Theatre. Basingstoke performed in "The Final Countdown’ which was about the crazy days of the 1980's and Fleet created a fun-filled piece based on the music by 'Elvis Presley'. It was an amazing day and taking such a large group was a huge undertaking, but we have a fantastic team who helped out. The event was slick and well put together with a real emphasis on kindness - which our schools loved.”

Almost half 41 per cent of the nation’s parents are concerned that their children are less happy growing up than their generation had been. Encouraging participation in the arts will have undeniable benefits for the well-being of both children and parents.

For more information about Stagecoach Performing Arts Basingstoke, visit stagecoach.co.uk/basingstoke or call 07825 58794.