In January 2020, A Christmas Carol closed its curtain after four excellent performances and nobody could have foreseen what would come next; after two years of uncertainty, zoom calls and Covid tests the call was put out to some of the best young actors Richmond Upon Thames has to offer, Step On Stage Youth Theatre was back with, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Rehearsals soon began; several games of Wah, Yee’Haw and Splat started most Sunday mornings with a bang but quickly the hard work began, blocking, singing, characterization and line learning, however there was never a moment devoid of laughter, fun and friendship. The relationships forged in those four months will remain for years to come, never has a group of young people been so supportive, encouraging and genuinely kind to each other. 

​Opening night. Four months of rehearsals behind us, we now had to stand on that stage and give it our all and that we did. From the singing to the acting, the costumes to the set, everything was perfect, but nothing in life is so easy, behind the scenes there were tears, bumps, bruises, nosebleeds, lost axes and lots of racing heartbeats, yet everyone pulled together to support their friends and younger actors. 

​I found it difficult to leave the theatre on Saturday Night, it felt like an ending but it was only the beginning of a new chapter, however cliché, that week was when I was at my happiest and its fleeting nature makes it even more special. To end, a thank you to everyone who made it happen, cast, crew, audience, theatre and the friends I made along the way, thank you or everything, I will always view wardrobes with a new joy in my heart.  

I am sure that none of us could have predicted what has happened in 2020, when we all headed into January 1st with fireworks and glasses of champagne.  This year has been life changing, in so many ways.  A shared experience that has left, not a single one of us unaffected.  Every industry has been uprooted by the effects of lock-downs across the world, not least the world of the performing arts. 

Just before lock down, 20 parents and students went to see the nationally acclaimed production of the multi award winning book, The Kite Runner, which was performed at The Richmond Theatre.  Only a few days we went into lock down, not knowing when we would go to the theatre again. Nearly 6 months later - and we still do not know when the theatres will be back open.  The production is based on Khaled Hosseini's book, adapted by Matthew Spangler and directed by Giles Croft.  

Having spoken to lots of students, one of the things they are greatly missing is a trip to the theatre.  The arts are such a vital part of our lives and our childrens lives.  They enrich our lives, transport us to different worlds, educate us on different cultures and beliefs, inspire us creatively and so much more.  I know my own son will greatly miss all the theatre trips we usually go on at Christmas, and we certainly felt very sad about not visiting a musical in the summer holidays which is a family tradition.   What is perhaps is even sadder is seeing the news regarding the problems that the theatres and arts venues are facing, as well as the devastating effect this has all had on all those employed in arts venues and industries across the country.  

The Kite Runner was absolutely fantastic and I think, we all felt, very privileged to have seen it.  Head girl, Jessica and Deputy head, Amelia, have written a lovely review of their experience of seeing the production.

The play is set out in a different but fascinating way as the set and the staging were very unique. One thing that we found very clever was that the actor playing Amir (David Ahmad) never went off of the stage. He played two roles on stage - one as Amir in the present day and the other as Amir in the past. When he was playing present day Amir, he would be looking back at his life and explaining all of the main events. This made it clear to the audience  what was happening.   The versatility of this actor was fantastic.

​Another thing we found interesting was the staging. This is because it was split in a lot of the scenes showing two places/scenes at the same time. For example, in one scene, the stage was split using just the lighting to show the USA and Afghanistan. This was very creative and one of our favourite parts of the show.   The changes between locations was seamless and we particuarly liked the use of colour to show the culture as well as the use of the kites. 

Overall, we found the play heartwarming and amazing. It also showed us what life is like for some people which made us realise how lucky we are. We would definitely recommend this play to you as you won’t be disappointed! ​

My grandmother and I love going to the West End to watch musicals. This summer we saw 42nd Street, on the first day of opening, and a little later we saw Kinky Boots.  Over Christmas we saw School of Rock, the Musical. Even though these shows are all in the West End, and are musicals, they are not the classical Andrew Lloyd Webber shows you would normally associate with a West End show.



​I really enjoyed 42nd Street. It is a good old school show but so wonderful to watch. I loved all of the songs and the story line but most of all I enjoyed the tap dancing. The speed and precision was amazing – I was mesmerised. Later in my tap class we started to learn one of the dances, as my tap teacher had been to a master class with the choreographer. How fortunate was I to be learning one of the actual numbers!

Kinky Boots... What a show! It was really funny to see all the men in bright red, knee-high, high-heels dancing and prancing on the stage. Not something you see every day. The characters are unlike other shows I have seen and the plot is so unique.  I loved all of the songs as they are very upbeat probably because Cyndi Lauper, an 80’s pop singer, wrote the score. If you love fashion, especially shoes, music and a sense of fun, I would recommend a visit. As all the reviews have said ‘There’s no business like shoe business’.

​School of Rock, the Musical is very similar to the film but you appreciate the talent of the children when you sit so close to them. It was really fascinating to know, and see, all of the children were playing their instruments. There were electric guitars, bass, keyboard and drums not to mention the singing – all such high standard. All actors gave 150% and really got into the ‘rock’ spirit. You left the theatre upbeat and wanting more. As if you had actually been at a concert. It is definitely in my top 5! 

13 year old Francesca attend weekly Musical Theatre and Tap classes as well as Dance and Acting summer schools.  She's been a member of Step on Stage for 2 years now.