For the past six months, students from The Pauline Quirke Academy in Halifax have been busy in rehearsals. They’ve been getting ready to make their West End Debut. On Sunday 9 July 2023 young performers from Halifax aged 6 to 18 took to the stage at His Majesty’s Theatre, home to the iconic show Phantom of the Opera for over 30 years.
Performing in an original musical entitled ‘Troubles A Brewin’ set in a small American town in the Wild Wild West, the show boasted some well-known songs such as 9 to 5, Story of my life, 5,6,7,8 and many more. An all-singing, all-dancing production from these amazing young performers had the audience on their feet.
‘’Well done everyone. You did Halifax proud!’’ ‘’Outstanding!! Well done PQA Halifax, you were all amazing.’’ "All the kids were amazing; fantastic experience.’’ ‘’Well done to everyone for an outstanding performance.’’
One student from Halifax had this to say about their experience ‘’I can’t believe I’ve just performed on a West End stage! It’s been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, and I will never forget this. I loved every second. Being backstage was incredible and seeing all of the set and props from the Phantom of the Opera made me feel like a star. I want to do it all over again!’’
The Principal of PQA Halifax said ‘’The teaching team are so proud of PQA Halifax students for giving their absolute all on stage. They delivered an incredible show and made memories that they will remember forever. Giving local children and young people the opportunity to perform in this way and providing access into a vibrant and exciting industry, is always a highlight in my PQA journey. I’m so proud of every single student.”
It has been a busy time for PQA Halifax with a performance of Oliver Jr back in November, performing with G4 last December and their most recent debut in the West End, what more do they have to look forward to? Well, students will now be focusing on making an incredible series of short films and will be hosting their very own red carpet Cinema Screening!
If your child is aged 6-18 and would love to get involved in the academy, PQA Halifax is now accepting new students so you can apply to attend a free taster session.
Visit the Pauline Quirke Academy website for more information: http://www.pqacademy.com/academies/halifax
Yes! Every academy offers one free trial session, as long as there is space available in the age group. If the group is currently full, you can join the waiting list, and we’ll contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
PQA runs for 41 weeks throughout the school year. You can find the full list of term dates on each academy’s webpage, just search for your local academy and visit its web page.
PQA provides performing arts training for children and teens aged 4–18. Our Main Academy (ages 6–18) includes three core classes:
Some academies also offer Poppets (ages 4–6), an energetic 90-minute class introducing young children to singing, dancing and acting.
PQA welcomes all children, whether they’re complete beginners or already confident performers. There’s no audition needed to join.
At PQA students in Main Academy are grouped by age, learning with other children and young people at similar stages.
This depends on where you feel your child will be happiest. Some 6-year olds are ready to join the 6-9 age group in Main Academy, others will feel more comfortable starting in Poppets.
Your always welcome to discuss what’s best for your child with your local Principal before booking your free session.