So exciting to see Gielgudian Matt (Hill) Trevorrow performing in Moulin Rouge in the West End last night. Matt trained at GAPA before heading off to Tring Park and Bird College. Matt then began his highly successful Musical Theatre career performing in UK Tours of Summer Holiday, Annie and the original cast of Newsie, West End before joining the cast of Moulin Rouge. Matt also teaches at GAPA when in between contracts which is such a thrill for our pupils.
We’re thrilled to announce that Michelle Walkhouse returns to GAPA to join us as Artistic Director. Miss Walkhouse previously worked at GAPA as a modern and tap teacher, before creating the Walkhouse School of Dance in Burgess Hill. With the return of Miss Walkhouse, a new collaboration between both schools is born, with more exciting news to follow soon.
Gielgudian and former GAPA head boy Billy Byers had his debut last night as the Artful Dodger in Oliver! Here’s Billy in his dressing room at the Gielgud Theatre, West End, and afterwards with Sir Cameron Macintosh. Let this be a message to you all … dreams do come true (when you work hard!) …
Huge congrats to our Head Prefect Ella who has really smashed it on all her auditions for full time professional performing arts schools. She has auditioned for, and been given a place at, Bird College, Laine Theatre Arts, London Studio Centre and The Brighton Academy. Well done Ella!
Congratulations to our GAPA dance captain Libby, who has successfully auditioned for The Brighton Academy and is now looking forward to commencing her full time professional training there in September.
Thanks to our wonderful RAD ballet teacher Mr Simpkins, the grade 5 girls were treated to a visit to the Coliseum to see English National Ballet’s production of Giselle last night. What a memorable and spectacular performance it was.
Gielgudian and former GAPA headboy Billy Byers began his dance and musical theatre journey when he started training at the Gielgud Academy when he was just 5 years old. Billy has now landed himself a leading role in the new production of Oliver at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End, London. Billy will be playing the role of the Artful Dodger in this production which has been fully revised and produced by Cameron Macintosh and directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne. Congratulations Billy – we can’t wait to come and see you shine onstage soon!
Well done to our grade 1s, 2s, 3s and 6s who all did brilliantly well at our ISTD ballet exam session at the Hub last weekend. Lots of delightful distinctions and marvellous merits!
Congratulations to GAPA’s ‘Luca’ who made his professional theatre debut last night – performing alongside TV and West End theatre star John Partridge in John’s ‘Dancing Man’ show at the Chequer Mead Theatre, East Grinstead. A group of GAPA pupils and parents came out in force to support Luca and John and a fabulous night was had by all. Photo of Luca with John and GAPA Principal Suzanne Gielgud.
West End leading man Joh Partridge visited GAPA today on our first day of term and caught the grade 5 girls having their debut moment on pointe as they began their very first pointe class. Exciting times!