15 young members from Stockport performing arts organisation NK Theatre Arts shared the stage with students from CAPA College in a very special performance at the AO Arena in Manchester as they joined forces to perform “Electricity” from the musical Billy Elliott.
With a packed 12,000 people to watch the show at the arena, The National Lottery Big Night of Musicals, took place on 27th January and celebrated the very best of Musical Theatre with performances direct from the West End as well as tours taking place up and down the country all coming together for an incredible night of performance.
Shows such as Mary Poppins, Bat out of Hell, Chicago and Calamity Jane were all represented at the event, now in its 4th year, once again hosted by Stockport Actor and Comedian Jason Manford.
“Electricity” opened with a segment filmed at The Forum Theatre in Romiley, a recipient of National Lottery Arts Council Funding, with a grant awarded to install a completely new auditorium seating system in 2019. The venue, owned by Stockport Council and operated by NK Theatre Arts, is second largest theatre in the borough, thriving in the heart of the community, with tens of thousands of visitors every year coming through its doors to support the work of all of the organisations performing at the venue.
Darren Stannage from The Forum said Lottery Funding for NK Theatre Arts was vital:
“We were so thrilled to be invited to perform and to open the doors to our wonderful theatre to the BBC as part of the event. Our refurbished auditorium seating, installed in 2019 was part funded through the National Lottery via The Arts Council and it has made such a difference to all of the organisations that bring their shows to life on our stage. It is also the home to hundreds of children who we work with each week, delivering Musical Theatre, Dance and Drama sessions to young people from any background and of any ability or disability. The National Lottery has also funded some of our outreach programmes as we deliver sessions in schools up and down the country using performance to help educate. Our work changes the lives of so many people and the opportunities they are afforded through the funding we have received is immeasurable.”
Hannah Gorst, Head of Dance and Musical Theatre from NK said:
“What an experience for our members. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and they were absolutely wonderful. They worked so hard in rehearsals to be ready for their big night and we were so proud of them. CAPA College were amazing as well and everyone we met from the production team and the insane professional performers who were in the show with them were just so kind and were full of praise for our young people. They fully deserved their standing ovation they received and it was a wonderful honour for me to share the stage with Jason Manford to say a huge thank you on our members’ behalf for allowing them such a unique opportunity which will live with and inspire them for the rest of their lives.”
Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council said:
“This recognition is fantastic news. Seeing the brilliant NK Theatre Arts take to the stage at such a prestigious event is a testament to the incredible talent we have here. The arts play a huge role in our community across Stockport, inspiring young people, bringing people together, and showcasing the very best of Stockport’s creativity.
“Huge congratulations to everyone involved, this is a moment of real pride for our borough.“
The National Lottery Big Night of Musicals will air on BBC One, BBC Radio 2, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds in the Spring with the date to be confirmed.
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