STUDENTS from Commonweal School dazzled audiences with An Evening Of Broadway.

The event, which helped raise money for new equipment for music and dance students, was the brainchild of head of dance Claire Bowden and head of music Ali Sutcliffe.

After proposing the idea to students, the pair were inundated with ideas and the response was so overwhelming that two shows were put on to ensure everyone could take part.

Ali said: “It was back in March that Claire and I got together to gather some ideas for this year’s Evening Of Broadway.

“We asked the students what songs and dances they wanted to do from their favourite musicals and we were inundated with requests for items from High School Musical, Matilda and Wicked. It seems that musical theatre is still a hugely popular genre for teenagers and all the students have really enjoyed learning the songs and choreographing the dance to go with them.

“We held auditions to select solo and small group items and there were so many talented students to choose from that we decided to put on two shows in order to feature everyone.”

Around 120 students took part in the showcase either as singers, dancers or technical assistants.

“Highlights that stuck out for me particularly were God Bless this Child by Billie Holiday that was sung by Year 7 student Emily Pont and the duet Revolting Children from Matilda performed in full musical theatre style by Amy Gordon and Chloe Frost, both from Year 7.

“I also loved seeing the development of the boys at Commonweal as they put together their own performance of Greased Lightning.

“Both nights were hugely enjoyable and the money raised is going towards equipment and facilities for music and dance in the sixth form, so should benefit all of these students at some point in their educational journey.”