Students from the College of West Anglia’s Performing Arts courses took to the stage for their much anticipated ‘Solos and Duets’ performances, delivering an evening of powerful, creative and diverse performances at the King’s Lynn campus.
The studio-based showcase featured a dynamic programme of short scenes created, choreographed and performed by Level 2 and Level 3 Acting, Dance and Musical Theatre students. Entirely student-led, each piece reflected the individuality, skill and artistic growth developed throughout the term.
Audiences were treated to a varied line-up of performance styles and influences, with extracts and interpretations inspired by titles such as Bonnie and Clyde, Good Will Hunting, Footloose, Elvis, Pearl Dangerous, I Hear a Symphony, Goo Goo Muck , Hazbin Hotel, Little Women, Knives Out, alongside original devised work created by the students themselves.
The evening provided performers with the opportunity to demonstrate both technical ability and emotional depth, while giving family, friends and supporters a glimpse into the progress made across the academic year so far. From dramatic intensity to high energy musical numbers, the showcase highlighted the versatility and confidence of CWA’s emerging performers.
The spring performance forms a key part of the Performing Arts calendar, offering students a professional platform to refine their craft in front of a live audience and gain invaluable performance and experience.
Connor Brightman, who is studying the UAL Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Level 3, said, “For my solos and duets performance I chose a piece from Black Mirror, as it is something out of my comfort zone. However, even though it was a challenge, I was able to develop new skills to build a new character. I enjoyed having the opportunity to work on projects that enabled me to challenge myself, work with new people, build confidence and new skills.”
Lily Corby who is also undertaking the UAL Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Level 3, reflected on her performance, saying, “I enjoyed taking part in the solos and duets performance. As I was able to dance, which is my passion and I love but I also got the opportunity to perform in front of an audience, which is what I want to do in the future. I performed a jazz solo called Move from ‘Dreamgirls’ and a lyrical duet with another student called Ethan performing ‘Die on this Hill’ by Sienna Spiro. My solo was easy to develop as jazz is my strong suit and I’m comfortable performing this style. The duet was more of a challenge as it involved partner work and taking into consideration the choreography of two people rather than one.”