Stellar performances from young people at Harlequin Theatre

Over 70 young people aged 11 to 18 performed for two nights at the Harlequin Theatre, Redhill and entertained theatre lovers, family and friends. Inspired by the show’s theme, ‘the late and the great,’ music included crowd pleasing hits by artists such as John Lennon, Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury. 

Valuable experience

“For many of our cast, Star for a Night has been their first taste of performing on a real theatre stage. Whether they sang a solo, acted or danced in a group, it’s been a very valuable experience for them – it’s been amazing to watch our performers gain confidence and learn during rehearsals and then put on stunning performances in the final shows,” says Emma Parnell, Sports and Leisure Development Officer at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council.

Supporting local young people

The Council organises Star for a Night each year to give local young people with a passion for performing arts the chance to take advantage of free professional tuition in singing, acting and dance, the experience of working together in rehearsals and then performing on stage to a paying audience. Each year, the organisers choose a small number of cast members who have shown particular commitment or enthusiasm to win scholarships. This year, Rianna Stevens from Redhill and Luca Crawford, who attends Reigate College, received a recording session at Dragonfly Studios, Skye Berry from Horley and Ella Sanderson from Redhill each won a one year scholarship to Urban Play Dance. Winners of one year scholarships to Orbit Shed Theatre Group were Gemma Alstrom and Simeon Moor, both from Redhill. Lawrence O’Sullivan from Kingswood was awarded Volunteer Practitioner for Orbit Shed Theatre Group.

Taking part in Star for a Night is completely free for participants. The project is funded by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and borough and county councillor members.