Highlights from Performing Arts

London New Year's Day Parade

The London New Year's Day Parade is an annual event in the heart of London, celebrating the arrival of the new year. Since its inception in 1987, the parade has showcased the diversity and vibrancy of London, featuring participants from all 32 boroughs.

However, in all these years, Chiswick had never been represented—until this year!

For four weeks, 15 of our Performing Arts students dedicated themselves to rehearsals, both at school and at Springwest, under the guidance of organisers Art Jar. The students not only choreographed a short dance routine to be featured in the event but also participated in the grand group parade number.

On the big day, our students—along with several intrepid parents—proudly donned Chiswick School hoodies, representing modern Hounslow. Just as we were ready to go… the rain came. And it kept coming! For six relentless hours, the rain poured down, but it did not dampen our spirits. Despite the cold and wet conditions, our students did Chiswick proud, dancing and waving to thousands of enthusiastic onlookers cheering them along the parade route through central London.

As the event drew to a close, we performed our final dance near Westminster Abbey, which got us on TV! Though soaked and exhausted, the students were exhilarated. As one of them put it:

"Sir, we can get dry easily... but we will never be able to repeat this amazing experience!"

OSO Arts Centre – One Hit Wonders

At Chiswick School Performing Arts, we take pride not only in the number of shows we produce but also in the variety of venues we perform in. So, when we were given the opportunity to stage a show at the OSO Arts Centre in Barnes—with just two weeks' notice—we jumped at the chance!

As always, our students rose to the challenge, determined to impress our new venue hosts and showcase what we are capable of. We decided on a high-energy performance titled "One Hit Wonders", a celebration of unforgettable songs by artists who topped the charts just once.

The evening featured 16 fantastic numbers, from Groove Is in the Heart and Bette Davis Eyes to Gold, Green, and Steal My Sunshine. The highlight of the night, however, was an electrifying performance of We're in Trouble by two of our delightful Year 7 girls!

With a cast of 60 students from all key stages, we barely managed to fit onto the stage. The packed audience was amazed by the talent on display, and the sheer joy of the performances was infectious. One new parent, whose child had joined the school just a week earlier, was astonished at the speed and quality of our production.

We are thrilled to announce that we have now formed a formal partnership with OSO Arts Centre, which will provide us with discounted tickets and valuable guidance from their directors and stage crew.

We can’t wait to return to the theatre in May!