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Razzamataz Students Shine on Stage with West End Star
Enthusiastic students from Razzamataz Theatre School Tonbridge got the incredible opportunity to open the show for Broadway and West End Musical Theatre Star ‘Kerry Ellis’.
The 30 students aged 6-16 all attend Razzamataz Tonbridge, which is part of a national network of theatre schools across the UK. The lucky students, opened the stars show on stage with a fabulous vocal performance on stage at the stunning Igloo Theatre, at Tonbridge’s Castlemas Event in December.
Kerry Ellis is widely acclaimed as one of the great British musical theatre performers, and known as ‘The First Lady of West End Musicals’ after appearing in many West End Shows. Most theatre fans will remember her for her amazing performance as ‘Elphaba’ in ‘Wicked’ in London and on Broadway.
Razzamataz student Ellie Machin age 12 was ‘THRILLED’ to be invited to join the star on stage to sing a duet from ‘Wicked’!! Ellie, already a huge Kerry Ellis fan was quoted as saying ‘This opportunity has made all her dreams come true’.
Razzamataz Tonbridge who, as network have previously worked with Kerry Ellis, were thrilled to receive the following message from the star herself: “The Razz team were brilliant and what a beautiful job they did … please give them all my love and hope we can do more together" “I’m incredibly proud of our students who joined us on stage,” says Eve Aston, Principal of Razzamtaz Tonbridge. “As well as delivering an amazing performance they behaved impeccably and we thank the organisers and the staff at ‘Castlemas’ and Bravo Productions for the opportunity. This was the boost the children needed after the previous year’s lockdown which left many students lacking in confidence. This totally made our year!!”
Razzamataz have also received many glowing reviews form their parents:
Mr D Smith wrote: I would like to thank you all In what you have done with my daughter, She never had any confidence to do what she did on Sunday night by going up on stage beforehand, Amber absolutely loves it at Razzamataz and we are so happy to have her there. Mrs R Barclay wrote: Thank you for the amazing opportunity to perform at Castlemas, my son Eddie really loved it. What a special way for Razz to end the year!
Razzamataz Tonbridge is part of a network of over 50 schools and creates ‘triple threat performers’ meaning students leave being skilled in dance, drama and singing. During their time at Razzamataz, they will cover lots of different genres from classic West End musical theatre through to acting for camera, street dance and pop singing. There are lots of opportunities to perform both locally and on the West End stage and the school is proud to continually bring professionals into the school to work with students. The fun classes are for all children whatever their background or ability and there is a strong focus on keeping fit and active, having fun and making friends. Classes start at age four and go on to 18 and there are lots of opportunities to perform giving children the opportunity to grow in confidence. The performing Arts School, with 22 years experience are now busy preparing for their next performance at ‘Hever Castle’, another amazing performing opportunity for their students.
