2025 / 26 Performing Arts Programme

2025/26 Music & Performing Arts Programme

www.sjd.ac.uk

Welcome Welcome to Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College’s exciting programme of concerts and performances for 2025/26.

As always, November’s Musical Soiree and December’s Spirit of Christmas Concerts promise to deliver the highest calibre of musical performance, with gifted soloists and chamber groups alongside our larger ensembles providing two must see events for music lovers.

Escape the winter blues in January with a trip to Shakespeare’s ‘Comedy of Errors’ – a fast-paced and anarchic tale of mistaken identity - and prepare for an evening of jazz and soul classics when the Sir John Deane’s Big Band make their much-anticipated return for February’s Jazz Night.

In April, we welcome bands from local high schools to compete against our students in the 12th annual ‘Battle of the Bands’, an event that grows in popularity every year.

Finally, we end the year by celebrating the work of our vocational students in our BTEC Performing Arts Showcase.

We really do look forward to welcoming you to Sir John Deane’s to share in the incredible talents of all our performers and student technical crew.

Rebeccah Homer Head of Performing Arts

Tickets for all the events advertised in this brochure will be available via the college website.

For more information, visit sjd.ac.uk

Cover: Jacob Crowson & Betty Mazzag Bridgewater High School & Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

Jonathan Morgan Helsby High School

Musical Soirée Join us as our talented musicians kick off the concert season with an evening of classical music. The programme features a mix of solo and small ensemble performances, highlighting a range of styles and musical expression.

Thursday 13th November, 7pm Venue: Brunner Hall, Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College Tickets: £3.50

Spirit of Christmas Christmas at Sir John Deane’s wouldn’t be complete without our much-loved annual musical celebration. Come along for an evening of classic carols and festive sing-alongs, featuring seasonal favourites guaranteed to get you in the spirit. Tickets are expected to sell out so book early to avoid disappointment.

Wednesday 17th & Thursday 18th December, 7pm Venue: Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College Theatre Tickets: £5

Ruby Ellis Knutsford Academy

Rafael Davidson Sousa Queens Park High School

Jazz Night The college’s renowned ‘Big Band’ is back this February at the Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa. Get ready for a stylish evening filled with 60s soul and timeless swing classics.

Thursday 5th February, 7pm Venue: The Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa Tickets: £8 / £5 students

Maria Christian (Legally Blonde, 2025) Tarporley High School

When Antipholus and his servant Dromio arrive in Ephesus, they have no idea that the town is home to their long-lost identical twins… who also happen to be called Antipholus and Dromio. Chaos ensues, in Shakespeare’s shortest and most anarchic comedy.

Escape the January blues and join our talented student cast and crew in sunny Ephesus, for a joyfilled evening of mistaken identities and heartfelt reunions.

Wednesday 28th & Thursday 29th January, 7pm SirLaurence John Deane’s Sixth College Theatre Music &Venue: Lyrics by O’Keefe andForm Neill Benjamin / £5 for students Book byTickets: Heather£8 Hach Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayor motion picture This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.co.uk

Battle of the Bands Don’t miss your chance to catch the hottest tickets around Battle of the Bands is back! Showcasing fresh talent from across Cheshire, this high-energy event invites up-and-coming school bands to compete for the top spot. Get ready for a night packed with indie-pop, rock, metal, funk, and more. Entries now open to bands from local schools.

Wednesday 1st April, 7pm Venue: Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College Theatre Tickets: £2

Isaac Cummins The County High School Leftwich

Abi Hilton & Emilia Pearce Weaverham High School & King’s School Macclesfield

BTEC Performing Arts Showcase Join us as we celebrate our Year 12 BTEC Performing Arts students in a spectacular showcase of music and dance.

Prepare to be dazzled with performances from a number of hit musicals including ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Guys & Dolls’ and ‘Top Hat’ in an exciting culmination of Year 12 assessment work from throughout the year.

Wednesday 20th May, 6pm Venue: Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College Theatre Tickets: Free (booking is essential)

Music & Performing Arts at Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College A rich Performing Arts programme allows Sir John Deane’s students to flourish on stage and behind the scenes. Students love learning here and every year we are oversubscribed with applicants hoping to take advantage of what the college has to offer. Recent alumni from the Performing Arts department have gone on to study at some of the top vocational institutions in the UK and secure professional contracts in the industry.

Josh Bennett

Marcel Cress

Ben Mather-Dodd

(Weaverham High School) Musical Theatre at Trinity Laban

(The County High School Leftwich) Music at the Royal Academy

(The Grange School) Musical Theatre at Trinity Laban

Matt Betteridge

Jake Hutchinson & Ciaran Sage

Finn Richards

(Helsby High School) Music and Sound Engineering (Tonmeister) at the University of Surrey

Charlie Bibby (Hartford CE High School) Musical Theatre at Performers College

Kate Burge (Helsby High School) Stage Management and Technical Theatre at the Royal Welsh Academy of Music and Drama

(The County High School Leftwich) Music and Sound Engineering (Tonmeister) at the University of Surrey

(Bridgewater High School) Music Production at LIPA

Holly Salisbury (The County High School Leftwich) Musical Theatre at Italia Conti

Emilia Malcolm (Sandbach County High School for Girls) Musical Theatre at Bird College

Bo Totterdell

Zak Marmont

Grace Whatmough

(Sandbach School) Musical Theatre at Trinity Laban

(Bishop Heber County High School) Acting at Italia Conti

Nina Martin

Madeline Yates

(Hartford CE High School) Composition at the Royal Northern College of Music

(Hartford CE High School) Acting at Italia Conti

(Hartford CE High School) Musical Theatre at Leeds Conservatoire

Maria Christian (Tarporley High School) Musical Theatre at the Arden School

Marcel Cress The County High School Leftwich

www.sjd.ac.uk