'From Shrek to Sister Act' - Recap of the ISA Musical Theatre Competition 2023
This year we were delighted to host the first live final of the ISA Musical Theatre Competition. In previous years, the competition has been open to video entries and judged remotely. In 2023, shortlisted finalists were invited to perform live at LVS Ascot on 3 May. From over two hundred entries, thirty-seven talented students were chosen to showcase their acting and vocal skills.
The Key Stage 2 Category was won by Florrie from Littlegarth School for her performance of One Perfect Moment from Bring It On. James from Collingwood School was highly commended for his emotional Billy Elliot number, as was Lillie from Sherrardswood School for her confident turn as Matilda. Other performances included songs from Shrek the Musical, The Sound of Music and Little Women.
Characters from High School Musical, Les Miserables and Funny Girl all took to the stage in the Key Stage 3 category. Bethany's rendition of Beyond My Wildest Dreams from The Little Mermaid saw her win the trophy for New Hall School. Isabelle from LVS Ascot and Luke from ArtsEd Day School and Sixth Form were highly commended for their performances of songs from Fame and James and the Giant Peach.
Highlights of the Key Stage 4 category included Ella from St Joseph's School's winning performance of the title number from Sister Act. ArtsEd Day School and Sixth Form took home two highly commended awards for Madison's Wait A Bit from Just So and Leo's Proud of Your Boy from Aladdin. Lyall from Bridgewater School was also recognised for a well-choreographed performance as King George from Hamilton.
Megan from Westonbirt School won the Key Stage 5 category for her enchanting rendition of Speak Low. The highly commended entries were Eden from Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate who sang One Perfect Moment, Sophie from St Catherine's School who sang Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera, and Abby from Talbot Heath School who sang Dyin' Ain't So Bad from Bonnie and Clyde. Songs from Beetlejuice and Grease also featured in this fantastic end to the day.
Our judges were West End actors Chris Draper and Kate Playdon, who between them have credits including Young Frankenstein, School of Rock, South Pacific and Guys and Dolls. Both commented on how impressed they were with the confidence and talent shown by all the performers, especially the way they had taken on feedback to improve their performances.
Well done to everyone who took part in the competition, and congratulations to the winners:
Key Stage 2
First Place: Florrie K, Littlegarth School
Highly Commended: James D, Collingwood School
Highly Commended: Lillie M, Sherrardswood School
Key Stage 3
First Place: Bethany K, New Hall School
Highly Commended: Isabelle C, LVS Ascot
Highly Commended: Luke G, ArtsEd Day School and Sixth Form
Key Stage 4
First Place: Ella H, St Joseph’s School
Highly Commended: Madison T, ArtsEd Day School and Sixth Form
Highly Commended: Leo M, ArtsEd Day School and Sixth Form
Highly Commended: Lyall R, Bridgewater School
Key Stage 5
First Place: Megan VT, Westonbirt School
Highly Commended: Eden C, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
Highly Commended: Sophie B, St Catherine’s School
Highly Commended: Abby G, Talbot Heath School
If you would like to know more about the competition, please visit the Musical Theatre Competition page, or contact us [email protected].
