Stage Queens: putting young talent in the spotlight

On Monday, 22 June, 29 talented girls from Shells and Thirds took to the Vanbrugh Theatre for the all-female musical theatre showcase, Stage Queens. 

Featuring excerpts from four well-known and much-loved musicals – Grease, Mean Girls, Mamma Mia and Six – the showcase gave our younger girls an opportunity to really shine. 

Stage Queens was led by singing teacher, Lauren Love, who thoroughly enjoyed her first experience of directing a show at The King’s School.

She said: “One of the unique aspects of this production has been the opportunity for every member of the cast to take on a leading role within one of the musicals, whilst also supporting their fellow performers as part of the ensemble in the others. 

“This has allowed each girl to develop their confidence, versatility and teamwork, and has given them all a deeper appreciation of musical theatre.

“I am immensely proud of what the girls have created and I hope that the audience enjoys watching it as much as we enjoyed creating it.”

Director of Drama, Clare Howdon, watched the show and was struck by the wealth of talent on stage. 

She said: “This has been such a great experience for our younger girls as they have all been able to take a leading role in one of the four musicals. Smaller productions like this are essential to help young performers grow in confidence and gain experience, which will really benefit them when they audition for our main Senior School productions next year and beyond. 

“I am hugely excited that we have so much talent coming up through the school as it means that we can continue to put on the ambitious productions that we are so well known for at King’s.”

The Vanbrugh Theatre was at capacity for the show, which ran for one night only, and audiences were in agreement that the girls delivered an evening of exceptional entertainment and pure joy.

One audience member said: “I was blown away by the talent and felt totally uplifted by the energy and joy on stage tonight!”