FOR the children and young people of West Cumbria, having the opportunity to be back on stage has been an incredible experience.

More than 120 young performers took to the stage on Saturday, July 2 at the Carnegie Theatre & Arts Centre, Workington to rapturous applause.

With live performances paused during the pandemic, many children have missed out on this 'life-enriching' experience.

And for many young people who are enthusiastic about performing arts, being kept away from their passion was incredibly difficult. 

Times and Star: Our Minis 3 cast stun the audience with their rendition of You’ll be in My HeartOur Minis 3 cast stun the audience with their rendition of You’ll be in My Heart

Razzamataz West Cumbria said it was delighted to welcome audiences to ‘When you Believe’, a celebration of 'having the courage to never give up on your dreams'.

The matinee and evening performances featured the school’s Minis, Juniors, Inters and Seniors where they all got to perform to an audience of family and friends.

The students performed a variety show where they got to demonstrate the different elements that they learn each week at Razzamataz.

Times and Star: All smiles from our Razzamataz Minis aged 4-5yearsAll smiles from our Razzamataz Minis aged 4-5years

The styles ranged from pop singing and street dance to West End and Broadway musical theatre.

A tradition of Razzamataz is to create 'mini musicals', giving the students the chance to take part in some of their most loved theatre shows.

This year, the students got to enjoy performing parts of the Wizard of Oz, Lilo & Stitch, Tarzan, Bugsy Malone Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Grease and Rock of Ages.

The commercial element of the classes was portrayed with songs and dances inspired by the likes of One Direction, Beyonce and Elton John.

Times and Star: We are off to see the Wizard! We are off to see the Wizard!

Typical customer reactions to the show included: “It was our first Razzamataz show, and out of thirteen of us there wasn’t a dry eye in our row! The talent and professionalism were outstanding right through the ages.”

Matty Aitchison Rayson, principal of Razzamataz West Cumbria has been working hard with his team to ensure that every child felt included and could show off their special talent.

Some of the key moments in the show included solo performances by students who had been awarded scholarships in association with The Stage newspaper.

Lacie Morgan, Stage Scholarship Winner 2021, Brooke Pavitt, Stage Scholarship Runner Up 2021, Arien Birks, Stage Scholarship Runner Up 2021 and Performer of the Year 2019 Poppy Savage all were given the privilege of performing a solo piece.

Matty said: “Each and every student impressed us with their dedication, commitment and teamwork,”

“It takes a lot of courage to go on stage so I’m incredible proud of each and every one of them.”

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This first major showcase performance has given many of the students a real taste for being on the stage, which is why Razzamataz West Cumbria has arranged for other opportunities.

This includes performing at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End in December this year.

Razzamataz West Cumbria is held at Jericho Primary School every Saturday morning.

For more information about the school and all the various opportunities that are on offer, email westcumbria@razzamataz.co.uk or call 07940957894.

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