Lancaster’s young performers bring Chicago glitz and glamour to Glasgow

Young performers from Stagecoach Performing Arts Lancaster took their talents north of the border, bringing the glitz, glamour and swanky attitude of Chicago to Glasgow’s iconic Pavilion Theatre.

Sixteen students joined young performers from across the wider Stagecoach community for a special day of live performance and professional development, travelling to Glasgow by coach with their families alongside them to cheer them on.

The Lancaster students took to the stage with Rags and Razzle, a specially created showcase of highlights and show-stopping moments from the much-loved musical Chicago.

Under professional lights, wearing costumes and performing with head microphones, the students brought the energy, style and theatrical sparkle of Chicago to life - showcasing their talents across acting, singing and dance.

From backstage preparation and technical rehearsals to the thrill of performing for a live Glasgow audience, the day gave the young performers a genuine taste of life in a professional theatre environment.

The excitement continued off stage, with an exclusive workshop led by Gerard Bentall, acclaimed West End performer and vocal coach.

The students had the rare opportunity to learn directly from an industry professional currently working in the performing arts.

Stagecoach Lancaster principal Ann-Marie White said: “There is something incredibly exciting about watching our students take a piece they have worked so hard on in Lancaster and suddenly see it come alive on a major theatre stage.

“Rags and Razzle gave them the chance to really throw themselves into the style and energy of Chicago, and they absolutely rose to the occasion. They showed confidence, individuality and real commitment, while working brilliantly as an ensemble.

“Days like this are about so much more than putting on a performance. Our students are learning how to work professionally, respond to direction, support each other and perform under pressure, all while having an enormous amount of fun.

“We are incredibly proud of what they achieved. It was wonderful to see their families making the journey to Glasgow to support them too. Creating these shared experiences and memories is a huge part of what makes performing arts so special.”

The Glasgow experience gave the Lancaster students the chance to perform beyond their usual setting, work with professional theatre equipment and receive specialist tuition from an experienced West End performer.

For the students, it was a day packed with performance, learning, teamwork and plenty of theatrical sparkle - culminating in the unforgettable moment of bringing their Chicago-inspired Rags and Razzle performance to a Glasgow audience.