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KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2020-21 | CREATIVE ARTS
In June, the Music and Drama Departments welcomed the glorious return of live events in school, hosting the annual KATS Music & Drama Awards. Invited Music and Drama students and guests gathered in the Theatre to celebrate in style and reflect back over their many years of participation in performing arts at Kingswood. Throughout the evening, high-quality entertainment was provided by musicians AyoOluwa Thomas and Tomiwo Owoseje, accompanied by Mr Knights, and a spectacular finale by the Year 13 musicians ended the evening with an uplifting rendition of Seasons of Love from Rent. Along the way, the audience were treated to a surprise staff number, with Mrs Nash, Miss Deane and Mrs Ward taking to the stage to sing a mash-up of Mama Said and Days, with a cameo appearance by Mr Francis displaying his hidden dancing talents, with accompaniment from Mr Barton and Mr Cheston.
This year’s KATS ceremony was particularly poignant; with the absence of our beloved live theatre and music, those gathered had a chance to look back and reflect on the importance of the performing arts. Inspirational, personally filmed messages from industry professionals took the place of a guest speaker, and it was hard to not be moved by their messages of hope. Also, this year’s awards marked Mrs Nash’s final KATS and tearful goodbyes were said as she moves on from Kingswood after so many years. To crown the evening, a glittering fireworks display lit up the skies over Kingswood’s lawns, providing the most spectacular and fitting end to a wonderful evening.
