Gala at Exeter Corn Exchange celebrates two decades for stage school

If it’s the hottest show in town you’re looking for, look no further than Exeter Corn Exchange this Sunday 14 July at 6pm. Exeter’s only independent theatre arts school, Stage by Stage, is putting on a gala show to celebrate 20 years of making young people’s show business dreams come true.

Tickets are available from 01392 211244.

The gala performance at Exeter Corn Exchange, which will be attended by Exeter’s Lord Mayor Councillor Rachel Lyons, will feature highlights from Stage by Stage’s hit shows of the last two decades. These include Bugsy Malone, which was the first show that the school ever staged, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story. The performers will all be Stage by Stage students.

18-year-old Jon Bisby, who played mobile tax-collector Sheikya-Moni in last year's professional pantomime at Exeter Corn Exchange, joined Stage by Stage when he was 11. He’s now well on his way to a professional career. He said: “Part of the Stage by Stage experience are the endless opportunities which are offered to its pupils.

"I always thought my first performance with Stage by Stage would be on a small stage somewhere in Exeter. You can imagine my excitement in learning that Stage by Stage would be taking a show to Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End.

"I could not think of a better environment for young people with an interest in theatre than Stage by Stage.”

Tickets for this glittering West End experience in Exeter’s West Quarter are available by calling 01392 211244 but hurry, as places are limited for what will be a fantastic evening of song, dance and pure performance.

Celebrations of the 20th Anniversary of Stage by Stage continue throughout the year, including a revival of one of the school’s most successful shows, Annie, at Exeter Northcott Theatre during October half-term. The school’s Senior Academy will be taking Little Shop of Horrors to the Edinburgh Fringe next month.

Maurice Marshal MBE, who died in 2010 and was the Chief Electrician at Exeter Northcott Theatre and Honorary Patron of Stage by Stage, will also be remembered at the gala.

Tickets available on 01392 211244

Photo: Bethany Kendrick as Aslan in the Stage by Stage production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe