Bird College
Encyclopedia
Bird College of Dance, Music & Theatre Performance is an independent performing arts
school and college, based in the Greater London
suburb
of Sidcup
. It has also been known as the Doreen Bird School of Dance, Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts and Bird College of Dance & Theatre Performance.
Founded by the dance teacher Doreen Bird
in 1945, the college provides specialist vocational training at further
and higher education
level in dance
, drama
and musical theatre
. The college prepares students for a professional career in the performing arts
and has a history of feeding artists into West End
and Broadway theatre
, dance companies
, television
, film
, pop music
and other high profile areas of the entertainments industry.
Key areas of study include ballet
, tap
, jazz
and contemporary dance
, singing
, voice craft and drama
. The college is accredited to the Council for Dance Education and Training
and its qualifications are recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
, being validated by either the University of Greenwich
or Trinity College, London. Many student places at the college are funded by the British Government through the Dance and Drama Awards
(DaDA) scheme.
Since October 2007, the college been the official provider of junior (pre-vocational) music and dance services for the London Borough of Bexley
following the closure of the Bexley Academy of Music & Performing Arts. As a result, the previous name of Bird College of Dance & Theatre Performance was altered to reflect the change, with the addition of the word "Music".
Doreen Bird
first founded the Doreen Bird School of Dance in Sidcup in 1945. It would be the predecessor of today's Bird College. Bird initially taught pupils in her parents' living room
, rolling up the carpet to provide a suitable dance surface, although she later used a local church hall. In 1951, she establishing a full time performing arts course with six students, which became known as the Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts, today's Bird College.
In 1954, Doreen Bird acquired a former vicarage, which was renamed Vicarage House and would be the college's first permanent premises. In 1964, it moved to Studio House, which is still in daily use by the college today and was later extended to include purpose built dance studios that double as a performance space. To enable the college to expand, it became necessary to seek larger premises and in 1979, Bird was successful in securing the ownership of a former Victorian
school, which was converted into dance studios and was renamed Birkbeck Centre. It was officially opened by former Prime Minister, Sir Edward Heath and continues to be the college's main campus to this day. In 2007, as part of the college's contract to provide pre-vocational music and dance services on behalf of Bexley Council, Bird College was granted residency of the former Bexley Centre for Music & Dance. The college have since renamed it The Centre and it is now used extensively for various college activities.
The Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts first offered a nationally recognised qualification with the introduction of a National Diploma
validated by Trinity College. In 1997, the college became the first of its kind in the United Kingdom to offer a professional dance degree, with the introduction of the BA Hons Degree in Dance & Theatre Performance. This course was specially devised for the college as a collaboration between Doreen Bird and the University of Greenwich
who validate the qualification. In 2004, the National Diploma course was regraded to Level 6 on the National Qualifications Framework
, becoming the National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre. The college has further expanded its range of courses with the introduction of the Foundation Degree in Creative Industries: Acting and the MA by Research in Dance & Theatre Performance, both validated by the University of Greenwich. A one year pre-vocational foundation course has also been established, which offers an intensive course of study for students who need extra preparation before applying for a place on a full professional course.
Doreen Bird was principal of the Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts until her retirement in 1998, when she appointed Sue Passmore as Principal and Executive Director. It is also around this time that the name Bird College was first introduced, replacing the full title that had previously been used. Bird continued to be a trustee and Governor of the college for the rest of her life and In 1999, she was awarded an honorary Master of Arts
by the University of Greenwich, in recognition of her achievements. Prior to her death, she had also been studying for a Ph.D. She died of Leukaemia on 4 February 2004 and a memorial service was held at The Actor's Church in Covent Garden
.
Prior to becoming Principal of the college in 1998, Sue Passmore had previously been Head of Theatre at the former Bush Davies School of Theatre Arts. She joined the Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts in 1988, as Artistic Co-ordinator and Head of Drama, becoming Artistic Director in 1989. She founded the Bird Theatre Company in 1991 and was also appointed to the Executive Council of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
. After becoming the college's Principal and Executive Director in 1998, she held the post for seven years. Passmore retired from Bird College in 2005.
Since 2005, the college has been managed by Shirley Coen as Principal & Chief Executive and Luis De Abreu as Vice-Principal. De Abreu is an alumnus of the college, serving as Executice & Artistic Director. In 2007, Bird College became the providers of pre-vocational music and dance services for the London Borough of Bexley
, working in partnership with Bexley Council. The college is now responsible for a large proportion of performing arts provision in the local community alongside its professional training courses.
Bird College productions have been staged at the Whitworth Theatre, the Bloomsbury Theatre and from 1982 at the Churchill Theatre
in Bromley
., then for a number of years at the Peacock Theatre
. Bird College have also performed at the Shaw Theatre
, Sadler's Wells and the Royal Opera House
and currently perform regularly at theatres in the Kent region, particularly the Orchard Theatre in Dartford. The College also have an active programme of providing theatre in education, working with schools and other organisations.
As one of the countries leading performing arts colleges, Bird College take part in the annual event, 'Move It Dance London', the largest dance exhibition in the UK. Bird students perform in the showcase and give demonstrations, with staff of the college teaching workshops and giving lectures. Having an international reputation in the dance world, Bird College have also performed overseas, including appearances in Portugal, Austria and Singapore.
Between 130-150 students currently attend the college, which occupies four sites in Sidcup, with two dance facilities, a large multi purpose music and dance complex and one office building. Other sites are used for a variety of classes including Bromley Valley Gymnastics Centre. The current name, Bird College, has been in use since the 1990s.
As well as training girls, Bird College specialises particularly in the training of male dancers, with one senior member of staff lecturing and writing articles on the subject for various dance organisations including the Royal Academy of Dance
. The college has numerous Patrons, Trustees and Friends, including Matthew Kelly
, Gillian Lynne
, Phrosso Pfister and Siân Phillips
.
, IDTA
or ISTD
. Applicants are normally expected to have achieved either an Intermediate or Advanced 1 examination pass from one of these organisations, or be able to dance at a similar standard in one of the core dance disciplines of Ballet
, Tap
, or Jazz
/Modern
. It is not always essential for an applicant to have extensive prior experience of singing, dancing or acting however and exceptions are made if an applicant demonstrates an exceptional degree of talent or natural ability during the selection process. In particular, many male candidates join the college having no prior training in dance or performing arts.
The audition for entry to the college includes assessments conducted and observed by senior teachers at the College. The audition is intended to assess potential skills in dance, singing and drama, as well as suitability for a career in the theatre profession. Auditions take place between January and May.
A typical audition for the college normally begins with an introduction by a member of staff, who will make a presentation about the college to all the candidates and their parents or teachers (if present). This presentation offers an insight into what life at the college is like, what the demands of the training are, and what will be expected from those who are successful in winning a place at the college. The introduction is followed by a ballet, jazz and drama class for all the candidates, watched by an assessment panel of senior college tutors. After the classes are completed, there will normally be a recess during which the panel will deliberate, with some candidates being asked to leave and some being invited to perform individually for the panel. Candidates who are recalled will normally perform a solo dance, song and drama piece of their own choice, which they have prepared for the audition beforehand. Through individual interview, personal qualities such as motivation, communication and flexibility are assessed and career aspirations are discussed before a place is offered.
The college awards a number of scholarships and also allocates places funded by the government Dance and Drama Awards
(DaDA). If a candidate is being considered for a scholarship or a DaDA award, they are normally invited to attend a second audition. Commonly referred to as a 'scholarship audition', this takes place after all other auditions have been completed and brings together all the candidates who are being considered for an award, so that they can be assessed against each other before the offer of a scholarship or DaDA place is made.
, Bird College is required to undergo regular inspections by OFSTED
, the government appointed organisation that is responsible for monitoring educational standards in England. The college received its latest inspection on 21 November 2007 and overall effectiveness was rated as Outstanding (Grade 1). The inspection report can be read by following this link.
. The Council consequently looked for a new organisation to replace the Academy, with Bird College being chosen for its international reputation and specialist experience in performing arts education. The new service was officially launched in October 2007. Bird College now provides a variety of pre-vocational music services throughout the Bexley region, with the former dance service being redeveloped as the Bird College Junior School. The College has also taken residence of council owned buildings (formally occupied by the Academy)
at 27 Station Road in Sidcup, which have been renamed The Centre.
school situated on Birkbeck Road in Sidcup. The two-storey building was acquired in 1977 and after extensive renovations, was officially opened as the college's main campus by former Prime Minister and Bexley MP, The Rt Hon Sir Edward Heath. The building houses dance studios, a canteen, kitchen, physiotherapy clinic and a gymnasium for weights training and body conditioning. There are also changing rooms for both boys and girls with lockers, toilets and showers.
property occupying the corner plot of Station Road and Crescent Road in Sidcup. Acquired in 1965, the building was later modernised and comprises a library, staff room, 'media' room and offices. There are changing rooms, toilets and showers, for both boys and girls. A large, single-storey extension to the rear houses the colleges main dance studios. There is one large space which can be divided to form two fully equipped studios. Designed as a studio theatre, raked seating and lighting are used to form a performance space for various in-house presentations.
in 2007, Bird College
has taken residency of the building and is responsible for the management of the site. The College has, however, used the facilities at the site for some time, holding classes for its full time performing arts courses. The Centre offers (within the main building and annexes on site) a range of dance studios with sprung flooring and installed sound systems, tuition/practice rooms and performance opportunities in the larger studios.
Bromley Valley Gymnastics
Centre is situated on Chipperfield Road, St Paul's Cray
, approximately 2.5 miles from Sidcup. The Centre is a fully equipped training centre for Artistic gymnastics
and other gymnastic sports and has a staff of specialist gymnastic coaches, training a number of world class athletes. Bird College students attend classes at the Centre where the staff teach various gymnastic skills that can be adapted for use in dance. The College also uses dance studios at the site.
and Broadway
shows. Many also work as directors, choreographers, producers
, agents
, personal managers
and teachers.
Performing arts
The performing arts are those forms art which differ from the plastic arts insofar as the former uses the artist's own body, face, and presence as a medium, and the latter uses materials such as clay, metal or paint which can be molded or transformed to create some physical art object...
school and college, based in the Greater London
Greater London
Greater London is the top-level administrative division of England covering London. It was created in 1965 and spans the City of London, including Middle Temple and Inner Temple, and the 32 London boroughs. This territory is coterminate with the London Government Office Region and the London...
suburb
Suburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
of Sidcup
Sidcup
Sidcup is a district in South East London in the London Borough of Bexley and small parts of the district in the London Borough of Greenwich.Located south east of Charing Cross, Sidcup is bordered by the London Boroughs of Greenwich and Bromley and Kent County Council, and whilst now part of...
. It has also been known as the Doreen Bird School of Dance, Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts and Bird College of Dance & Theatre Performance.
Founded by the dance teacher Doreen Bird
Doreen Bird
Doreen Bird, MA, FISTD, ARAD, was a British dance teacher and founder of the Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts in Sidcup, Kent. She was a fellow, examiner, lecturer, committee and council member of the ISTD, life member of the RAD, and Honorary MA. Prior to her death from Leukaemia in 2004,...
in 1945, the college provides specialist vocational training at further
Further education
Further education is a term mainly used in connection with education in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is post-compulsory education , that is distinct from the education offered in universities...
and higher education
Higher education
Higher, post-secondary, tertiary, or third level education refers to the stage of learning that occurs at universities, academies, colleges, seminaries, and institutes of technology...
level in dance
Dance
Dance is an art form that generally refers to movement of the body, usually rhythmic and to music, used as a form of expression, social interaction or presented in a spiritual or performance setting....
, drama
Drama
Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "action" , which is derived from "to do","to act" . The enactment of drama in theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative modes of production and a...
and musical theatre
Musical theatre
Musical theatre is a form of theatre combining songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. The emotional content of the piece – humor, pathos, love, anger – as well as the story itself, is communicated through the words, music, movement and technical aspects of the entertainment as an...
. The college prepares students for a professional career in the performing arts
Performing arts
The performing arts are those forms art which differ from the plastic arts insofar as the former uses the artist's own body, face, and presence as a medium, and the latter uses materials such as clay, metal or paint which can be molded or transformed to create some physical art object...
and has a history of feeding artists into West End
West End theatre
West End theatre is a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London's 'Theatreland', the West End. Along with New York's Broadway theatre, West End theatre is usually considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English speaking...
and Broadway theatre
Broadway theatre
Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
, dance companies
Dance company
A dance troupe or dance company is a group of dancers and associated personnel who work together to perform dances as a spectacle or entertainment.-Members:*Artistic Director*Choreographers*Dancers*Board of Directors*Education administrator...
, television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
, film
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
, pop music
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
and other high profile areas of the entertainments industry.
Key areas of study include ballet
Ballet
Ballet is a type of performance dance, that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century, and which was further developed in France and Russia as a concert dance form. The early portions preceded the invention of the proscenium stage and were presented in large chambers with...
, tap
Tap dance
Tap dance is a form of dance characterized by using the sound of one's tap shoes hitting the floor as a percussive instrument. As such, it is also commonly considered to be a form of music. Two major variations on tap dance exist: rhythm tap and Broadway tap. Broadway tap focuses more on the...
, jazz
Jazz dance
Jazz dance is a classification shared by a broad range of dance styles. Before the 1950s, jazz dance referred to dance styles that originated from African American vernacular dance. In the 1950s, a new genre of jazz dance—modern jazz dance—emerged, with roots in Caribbean traditional dance...
and contemporary dance
Contemporary dance
Contemporary dance is a genre of concert dance that employs compositional philosophy, rather than choreography, to guide unchoreographed movement...
, singing
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, voice craft and drama
Drama
Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "action" , which is derived from "to do","to act" . The enactment of drama in theatre, performed by actors on a stage before an audience, presupposes collaborative modes of production and a...
. The college is accredited to the Council for Dance Education and Training
Council for Dance Education and Training
The Council for Dance Education and Training * accredits professional training programmes in vocational dance and musical theatre schools* validates the qualifications of Dance Awarding Organisations...
and its qualifications are recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
The Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency is an exempt charity, and an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Children, Schools and Families...
, being validated by either the University of Greenwich
University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich is a British university located in the London Borough of Greenwich, London, England. The main campus is located on the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, a central location within the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.-History:The history of the...
or Trinity College, London. Many student places at the college are funded by the British Government through the Dance and Drama Awards
Dance and Drama Awards
The Dance and Drama Awards are a scholarship scheme which subsidises professional vocational training at some of the leading performing arts schools in the United Kingdom...
(DaDA) scheme.
Since October 2007, the college been the official provider of junior (pre-vocational) music and dance services for the London Borough of Bexley
London Borough of Bexley
The London Borough of Bexley lies in south east Greater London, and is a borough referred to as part of Outer London. It has common borders with the London Borough of Bromley to the south, the London Borough of Greenwich to the west, across the River Thames to the north it borders the London...
following the closure of the Bexley Academy of Music & Performing Arts. As a result, the previous name of Bird College of Dance & Theatre Performance was altered to reflect the change, with the addition of the word "Music".
Overview
Doreen Bird
Doreen Bird, MA, FISTD, ARAD, was a British dance teacher and founder of the Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts in Sidcup, Kent. She was a fellow, examiner, lecturer, committee and council member of the ISTD, life member of the RAD, and Honorary MA. Prior to her death from Leukaemia in 2004,...
first founded the Doreen Bird School of Dance in Sidcup in 1945. It would be the predecessor of today's Bird College. Bird initially taught pupils in her parents' living room
Living room
A living room, also known as sitting room, lounge room or lounge , is a room for entertaining adult guests, reading, or other activities...
, rolling up the carpet to provide a suitable dance surface, although she later used a local church hall. In 1951, she establishing a full time performing arts course with six students, which became known as the Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts, today's Bird College.
In 1954, Doreen Bird acquired a former vicarage, which was renamed Vicarage House and would be the college's first permanent premises. In 1964, it moved to Studio House, which is still in daily use by the college today and was later extended to include purpose built dance studios that double as a performance space. To enable the college to expand, it became necessary to seek larger premises and in 1979, Bird was successful in securing the ownership of a former Victorian
Victorian architecture
The term Victorian architecture refers collectively to several architectural styles employed predominantly during the middle and late 19th century. The period that it indicates may slightly overlap the actual reign, 20 June 1837 – 22 January 1901, of Queen Victoria. This represents the British and...
school, which was converted into dance studios and was renamed Birkbeck Centre. It was officially opened by former Prime Minister, Sir Edward Heath and continues to be the college's main campus to this day. In 2007, as part of the college's contract to provide pre-vocational music and dance services on behalf of Bexley Council, Bird College was granted residency of the former Bexley Centre for Music & Dance. The college have since renamed it The Centre and it is now used extensively for various college activities.
National Diploma
The National Diploma was a three year ab initio specialised higher education qualification in a technology discipline offered by an Institute of Technology or other HETAC designated institution in Ireland....
validated by Trinity College. In 1997, the college became the first of its kind in the United Kingdom to offer a professional dance degree, with the introduction of the BA Hons Degree in Dance & Theatre Performance. This course was specially devised for the college as a collaboration between Doreen Bird and the University of Greenwich
University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich is a British university located in the London Borough of Greenwich, London, England. The main campus is located on the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, a central location within the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.-History:The history of the...
who validate the qualification. In 2004, the National Diploma course was regraded to Level 6 on the National Qualifications Framework
National Qualifications Framework
The National Qualifications Framework is a credit transfer system developed for qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland....
, becoming the National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre. The college has further expanded its range of courses with the introduction of the Foundation Degree in Creative Industries: Acting and the MA by Research in Dance & Theatre Performance, both validated by the University of Greenwich. A one year pre-vocational foundation course has also been established, which offers an intensive course of study for students who need extra preparation before applying for a place on a full professional course.
Doreen Bird was principal of the Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts until her retirement in 1998, when she appointed Sue Passmore as Principal and Executive Director. It is also around this time that the name Bird College was first introduced, replacing the full title that had previously been used. Bird continued to be a trustee and Governor of the college for the rest of her life and In 1999, she was awarded an honorary Master of Arts
Master of Arts (postgraduate)
A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
by the University of Greenwich, in recognition of her achievements. Prior to her death, she had also been studying for a Ph.D. She died of Leukaemia on 4 February 2004 and a memorial service was held at The Actor's Church in Covent Garden
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a district in London on the eastern fringes of the West End, between St. Martin's Lane and Drury Lane. It is associated with the former fruit and vegetable market in the central square, now a popular shopping and tourist site, and the Royal Opera House, which is also known as...
.
Prior to becoming Principal of the college in 1998, Sue Passmore had previously been Head of Theatre at the former Bush Davies School of Theatre Arts. She joined the Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts in 1988, as Artistic Co-ordinator and Head of Drama, becoming Artistic Director in 1989. She founded the Bird Theatre Company in 1991 and was also appointed to the Executive Council of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing is a leading dance teaching and examination board based in London, England and operating internationally. Established on 25 July 1904 as the Imperial Society of Dance Teachers, it changed to its current name in 1925 and is now a registered educational...
. After becoming the college's Principal and Executive Director in 1998, she held the post for seven years. Passmore retired from Bird College in 2005.
Since 2005, the college has been managed by Shirley Coen as Principal & Chief Executive and Luis De Abreu as Vice-Principal. De Abreu is an alumnus of the college, serving as Executice & Artistic Director. In 2007, Bird College became the providers of pre-vocational music and dance services for the London Borough of Bexley
London Borough of Bexley
The London Borough of Bexley lies in south east Greater London, and is a borough referred to as part of Outer London. It has common borders with the London Borough of Bromley to the south, the London Borough of Greenwich to the west, across the River Thames to the north it borders the London...
, working in partnership with Bexley Council. The college is now responsible for a large proportion of performing arts provision in the local community alongside its professional training courses.
Productions
Live performances are an integral part of the curriculum and the college perform in public under the title of 'Bird Theatre Company', staging productions both in the UK and Internationally.Bird College productions have been staged at the Whitworth Theatre, the Bloomsbury Theatre and from 1982 at the Churchill Theatre
Churchill Theatre
The Churchill Theatre in Bromley, south east London was built by the London Borough of Bromley to designs by its borough architect's department.It is carefully integrated into the central library complex overlooking Church House Gardens and Library Gardens...
in Bromley
Bromley
Bromley is a large suburban town in south east London, England and the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Bromley. It was historically a market town, and prior to 1963 was in the county of Kent and formed the administrative centre of the Municipal Borough of Bromley...
., then for a number of years at the Peacock Theatre
Peacock Theatre
The Peacock Theatre is a West End theatre in the City of Westminster, located in Portugal Street, near Aldwych. The 999-seat house is owned by, and comprises part of the London School of Economics and Political Science campus, who utilise the theatre for lectures, public talks, conferences,...
. Bird College have also performed at the Shaw Theatre
Shaw Theatre
The Shaw Theatre is a theatre in Somers Town, in the London Borough of Camden. It is located near the Euston Road, beside the British Library and St Pancras Chambers , equidistant from King's Cross station and Euston station....
, Sadler's Wells and the Royal Opera House
Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, central London. The large building is often referred to as simply "Covent Garden", after a previous use of the site of the opera house's original construction in 1732. It is the home of The Royal Opera, The...
and currently perform regularly at theatres in the Kent region, particularly the Orchard Theatre in Dartford. The College also have an active programme of providing theatre in education, working with schools and other organisations.
As one of the countries leading performing arts colleges, Bird College take part in the annual event, 'Move It Dance London', the largest dance exhibition in the UK. Bird students perform in the showcase and give demonstrations, with staff of the college teaching workshops and giving lectures. Having an international reputation in the dance world, Bird College have also performed overseas, including appearances in Portugal, Austria and Singapore.
Today
As well as training girls, Bird College specialises particularly in the training of male dancers, with one senior member of staff lecturing and writing articles on the subject for various dance organisations including the Royal Academy of Dance
Royal Academy of Dance
The Royal Academy of Dance is an international dance education and training organization, and examination board that specialises in the teaching and technique of Ballet. The RAD was established in London, England in 1920 as the Association of Operatic Dancing of Great Britain, and received its...
. The college has numerous Patrons, Trustees and Friends, including Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly is an English television presenter and Olivier-award winning actor. Having been trained as a theatre actor, he first came to public prominence as a television presenter of ITV light entertainment shows such as You Bet! and Stars in Their Eyes...
, Gillian Lynne
Gillian Lynne
Gillian Barbara Lynne , CBE, born , is a British ballerina, dancer, actor, theatre director, television director and choreographer noted for her popular theatre choreography associated with the iconic musicals Cats and the current longest running show in Broadway history, The Phantom of the Opera.-...
, Phrosso Pfister and Siân Phillips
Siân Phillips
Jane Elizabeth Ailwên "Siân" Phillips, CBE, is a Welsh actress.-Early life:Phillips was born in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, Neath Port Talbot, Wales, the daughter of Sally , a teacher, and David Phillips, a steelworker-turned-policeman...
.
Courses
As a specialist vocational college for dance and musical theatre, the college has the following accredited courses.- BA (Hons) in Dance & Theatre Performance (validated by University of GreenwichUniversity of GreenwichThe University of Greenwich is a British university located in the London Borough of Greenwich, London, England. The main campus is located on the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, a central location within the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.-History:The history of the...
) - National Diploma in Musical Theatre (validated by Trinity College, London)
- Foundation Degree in Creative Industries: Acting (validated by University of Greenwich)
- MA by Research: Dance and Musical Theatre (validated by University of Greenwich)
- Pre-Vocational Foundation Year in Dance and Theatre Performance
Entry Procedure
Entry to one of the college's full time performing arts courses is by audition only and the college can receive up to 600 applications per year for a very limited number of places. Due to the demanding nature of undertaking a full time dance and performing arts course, most applicants will have danced from a young age and have achieved examination passes with a recognised dance teaching organisation such as the RADRoyal Academy of Dance
The Royal Academy of Dance is an international dance education and training organization, and examination board that specialises in the teaching and technique of Ballet. The RAD was established in London, England in 1920 as the Association of Operatic Dancing of Great Britain, and received its...
, IDTA
International Dance Teachers Association
The International Dance Teachers Association is a leading dance teaching and examination board based in Brighton, England. Operating internationally, the IDTA is one of the largest dance teaching organisations in the world and currently has over 7,000 members in 55 countries...
or ISTD
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing is a leading dance teaching and examination board based in London, England and operating internationally. Established on 25 July 1904 as the Imperial Society of Dance Teachers, it changed to its current name in 1925 and is now a registered educational...
. Applicants are normally expected to have achieved either an Intermediate or Advanced 1 examination pass from one of these organisations, or be able to dance at a similar standard in one of the core dance disciplines of Ballet
Ballet
Ballet is a type of performance dance, that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century, and which was further developed in France and Russia as a concert dance form. The early portions preceded the invention of the proscenium stage and were presented in large chambers with...
, Tap
Tap dance
Tap dance is a form of dance characterized by using the sound of one's tap shoes hitting the floor as a percussive instrument. As such, it is also commonly considered to be a form of music. Two major variations on tap dance exist: rhythm tap and Broadway tap. Broadway tap focuses more on the...
, or Jazz
Jazz dance
Jazz dance is a classification shared by a broad range of dance styles. Before the 1950s, jazz dance referred to dance styles that originated from African American vernacular dance. In the 1950s, a new genre of jazz dance—modern jazz dance—emerged, with roots in Caribbean traditional dance...
/Modern
Modern dance
Modern dance is a dance form developed in the early 20th century. Although the term Modern dance has also been applied to a category of 20th Century ballroom dances, Modern dance as a term usually refers to 20th century concert dance.-Intro:...
. It is not always essential for an applicant to have extensive prior experience of singing, dancing or acting however and exceptions are made if an applicant demonstrates an exceptional degree of talent or natural ability during the selection process. In particular, many male candidates join the college having no prior training in dance or performing arts.
The audition for entry to the college includes assessments conducted and observed by senior teachers at the College. The audition is intended to assess potential skills in dance, singing and drama, as well as suitability for a career in the theatre profession. Auditions take place between January and May.
A typical audition for the college normally begins with an introduction by a member of staff, who will make a presentation about the college to all the candidates and their parents or teachers (if present). This presentation offers an insight into what life at the college is like, what the demands of the training are, and what will be expected from those who are successful in winning a place at the college. The introduction is followed by a ballet, jazz and drama class for all the candidates, watched by an assessment panel of senior college tutors. After the classes are completed, there will normally be a recess during which the panel will deliberate, with some candidates being asked to leave and some being invited to perform individually for the panel. Candidates who are recalled will normally perform a solo dance, song and drama piece of their own choice, which they have prepared for the audition beforehand. Through individual interview, personal qualities such as motivation, communication and flexibility are assessed and career aspirations are discussed before a place is offered.
The college awards a number of scholarships and also allocates places funded by the government Dance and Drama Awards
Dance and Drama Awards
The Dance and Drama Awards are a scholarship scheme which subsidises professional vocational training at some of the leading performing arts schools in the United Kingdom...
(DaDA). If a candidate is being considered for a scholarship or a DaDA award, they are normally invited to attend a second audition. Commonly referred to as a 'scholarship audition', this takes place after all other auditions have been completed and brings together all the candidates who are being considered for an award, so that they can be assessed against each other before the offer of a scholarship or DaDA place is made.
Ofsted
As part of its requirements for providing the government funded Dance and Drama AwardsDance and Drama Awards
The Dance and Drama Awards are a scholarship scheme which subsidises professional vocational training at some of the leading performing arts schools in the United Kingdom...
, Bird College is required to undergo regular inspections by OFSTED
Ofsted
The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills is the non-ministerial government department of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools In England ....
, the government appointed organisation that is responsible for monitoring educational standards in England. The college received its latest inspection on 21 November 2007 and overall effectiveness was rated as Outstanding (Grade 1). The inspection report can be read by following this link.
Pre-Vocational Music & Dance
In 2006 a decision was made to close the Sidcup based Bexley Academy of Music & Performing Arts, which provided pre-vocational music and dance tuition in co-ordination with the London Borough of Bexley CouncilLondon Borough of Bexley
The London Borough of Bexley lies in south east Greater London, and is a borough referred to as part of Outer London. It has common borders with the London Borough of Bromley to the south, the London Borough of Greenwich to the west, across the River Thames to the north it borders the London...
. The Council consequently looked for a new organisation to replace the Academy, with Bird College being chosen for its international reputation and specialist experience in performing arts education. The new service was officially launched in October 2007. Bird College now provides a variety of pre-vocational music services throughout the Bexley region, with the former dance service being redeveloped as the Bird College Junior School. The College has also taken residence of council owned buildings (formally occupied by the Academy)
at 27 Station Road in Sidcup, which have been renamed The Centre.
Services
- Free instrumental and vocal tuition in schools, for pupils at Key Stage 2Key Stage 2Key Stage 2 is the legal term for the four years of schooling in maintained schools in England and Wales normally known as Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6, when pupils are aged between 7 and 11. The term is applied differently in Northern Ireland where it refers to pupils in Year 5, Year 6 and...
- Individual and shared instrumental/vocal lessons
- Progressive choirs, bands and orchestras
- Hire of musical instruments
- Independent shop on site "Soundheart ltd" for all musical needs
- Regular public performances
- Lessons in balletBalletBallet is a type of performance dance, that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century, and which was further developed in France and Russia as a concert dance form. The early portions preceded the invention of the proscenium stage and were presented in large chambers with...
, tapTap danceTap dance is a form of dance characterized by using the sound of one's tap shoes hitting the floor as a percussive instrument. As such, it is also commonly considered to be a form of music. Two major variations on tap dance exist: rhythm tap and Broadway tap. Broadway tap focuses more on the...
, and modern danceModern danceModern dance is a dance form developed in the early 20th century. Although the term Modern dance has also been applied to a category of 20th Century ballroom dances, Modern dance as a term usually refers to 20th century concert dance.-Intro:... - Lessons in jazzJazz danceJazz dance is a classification shared by a broad range of dance styles. Before the 1950s, jazz dance referred to dance styles that originated from African American vernacular dance. In the 1950s, a new genre of jazz dance—modern jazz dance—emerged, with roots in Caribbean traditional dance...
, contemporary danceContemporary danceContemporary dance is a genre of concert dance that employs compositional philosophy, rather than choreography, to guide unchoreographed movement...
and musical theatreMusical theatreMusical theatre is a form of theatre combining songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. The emotional content of the piece – humor, pathos, love, anger – as well as the story itself, is communicated through the words, music, movement and technical aspects of the entertainment as an...
Examinations
- Associated Board of the Royal Schools of MusicAssociated Board of the Royal Schools of MusicABRSM is an internationally recognised educational body and charity that provides examinations in music The organisation, based in London, UK, runs exams in centres all over the world...
- Trinity Guildhall
- Royal Academy of DanceRoyal Academy of DanceThe Royal Academy of Dance is an international dance education and training organization, and examination board that specialises in the teaching and technique of Ballet. The RAD was established in London, England in 1920 as the Association of Operatic Dancing of Great Britain, and received its...
- Imperial Society of Teachers of DancingImperial Society of Teachers of DancingThe Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing is a leading dance teaching and examination board based in London, England and operating internationally. Established on 25 July 1904 as the Imperial Society of Dance Teachers, it changed to its current name in 1925 and is now a registered educational...
Groups
- Elgar Wind Ensemble
- Intermediate Band
- Symphonic Wind Band
- Bexley Band
- Little Big Band
- Brass Tacks
- Whirlwinds
- First Strings
- Purcell Strings
- Concert Orchestra
- Bexley Youth Orchestra
- Light Orchestra
- Junior Choir
- Intermediate Choir
- Bexley Youth Choir
- The Bexley Choir
Studios
Birkbeck Centre
Birkbeck Centre is a former VictorianVictorian architecture
The term Victorian architecture refers collectively to several architectural styles employed predominantly during the middle and late 19th century. The period that it indicates may slightly overlap the actual reign, 20 June 1837 – 22 January 1901, of Queen Victoria. This represents the British and...
school situated on Birkbeck Road in Sidcup. The two-storey building was acquired in 1977 and after extensive renovations, was officially opened as the college's main campus by former Prime Minister and Bexley MP, The Rt Hon Sir Edward Heath. The building houses dance studios, a canteen, kitchen, physiotherapy clinic and a gymnasium for weights training and body conditioning. There are also changing rooms for both boys and girls with lockers, toilets and showers.
Admin Cottage
Admin Cottage is a two-storey, former residential property adjacent to Birkbeck Centre. Maintaining its traditional exterior, the building houses the colleges administrative, marketing and finance team, the Principal's office and a teachers rest room and kitchen. To the rear of Admin Cottage is a large pre-fab type building, housing another large dance studio.Studio House
Studio House is a two-storey, detached, former residential GeorgianGeorgian architecture
Georgian architecture is the name given in most English-speaking countries to the set of architectural styles current between 1720 and 1840. It is eponymous for the first four British monarchs of the House of Hanover—George I of Great Britain, George II of Great Britain, George III of the United...
property occupying the corner plot of Station Road and Crescent Road in Sidcup. Acquired in 1965, the building was later modernised and comprises a library, staff room, 'media' room and offices. There are changing rooms, toilets and showers, for both boys and girls. A large, single-storey extension to the rear houses the colleges main dance studios. There is one large space which can be divided to form two fully equipped studios. Designed as a studio theatre, raked seating and lighting are used to form a performance space for various in-house presentations.
The Centre
The Centre is a former school located on Station Road in Sidcup. It is now a music and dance complex owned by the London Borough of Bexley and was previously known as the Bexley Academy of Music and Performing Arts. It is used primarily as a venue for pre-vocational dance and music training. Since becoming the officially approved provider for music provision in the London Borough of BexleyLondon Borough of Bexley
The London Borough of Bexley lies in south east Greater London, and is a borough referred to as part of Outer London. It has common borders with the London Borough of Bromley to the south, the London Borough of Greenwich to the west, across the River Thames to the north it borders the London...
in 2007, Bird College
Bird College
Bird College of Dance, Music & Theatre Performance is an independent performing arts school and college, based in the Greater London suburb of Sidcup...
has taken residency of the building and is responsible for the management of the site. The College has, however, used the facilities at the site for some time, holding classes for its full time performing arts courses. The Centre offers (within the main building and annexes on site) a range of dance studios with sprung flooring and installed sound systems, tuition/practice rooms and performance opportunities in the larger studios.
Other facilities
Due to the limited space in the College's own facilities, use is made of other buildings when required. St. John's Hall is situated within walking distance of the Centre, on Church Road, Sidcup, adjacent to St. John The Evangelist Church and is used to facilitate a full timetable for students.Bromley Valley Gymnastics
Gymnastics
Gymnastics is a sport involving performance of exercises requiring physical strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, and balance. Internationally, all of the gymnastic sports are governed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique with each country having its own national governing body...
Centre is situated on Chipperfield Road, St Paul's Cray
St Paul's Cray
St Paul's Cray lies on the River Cray and is part of the London Borough of Bromley. St Paul's Cray was once a separate village, but like its sister St Mary Cray has been incorporated in to Orpington...
, approximately 2.5 miles from Sidcup. The Centre is a fully equipped training centre for Artistic gymnastics
Artistic gymnastics
Artistic gymnastics is a discipline of gymnastics where gymnasts perform short routines on different apparatus, with less time for vaulting . The sport is governed by the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique , which designs the Code of Points and regulates all aspects of international elite...
and other gymnastic sports and has a staff of specialist gymnastic coaches, training a number of world class athletes. Bird College students attend classes at the Centre where the staff teach various gymnastic skills that can be adapted for use in dance. The College also uses dance studios at the site.
Notable students
Bird College has a number of well-known and notable alumni. Former students are working worldwide in all areas of the entertainments industry, particularly dance and musical theatre, including West EndWest End theatre
West End theatre is a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London's 'Theatreland', the West End. Along with New York's Broadway theatre, West End theatre is usually considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English speaking...
and Broadway
Broadway theatre
Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
shows. Many also work as directors, choreographers, producers
Theatrical producer
A theatrical producer is the person ultimately responsible for overseeing all aspects of mounting a theatre production. The independent producer will usually be the originator and finder of the script and starts the whole process...
, agents
Talent agent
A talent agent, or booking agent, is a person who finds jobs for actors, authors, film directors, musicians, models, producers, professional athletes, writers and other people in various entertainment businesses. Having an agent is not required, but does help the artist in getting jobs...
, personal managers
Talent manager
A talent manager, also known as an artist manager or band manager, is an individual or company who guides the professional career of artists in the entertainment industry...
and teachers.
- Helen AnkerHelen AnkerHelen Anker, born in 1972 in Banbury, Oxfordshire, is an actress and singer who trained at the Royal Ballet School and Bird College. She is best known for playing Zelda Fitzgerald in the West End musical Beautiful and Damned, a role she first played at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford before...
- began training at the Royal Ballet Lower SchoolRoyal Ballet SchoolThe Royal Ballet School is one of the most famous classical ballet schools in the world and is the associate school of the Royal Ballet, a leading international ballet company based at the Royal Opera House in London...
, later training in musical theatre at Bird College. She is noted for performances in the musical Beautiful and DamnedBeautiful and DamnedBeautiful and Damned is a musical with a book by Kit Hesketh Harvey and music and lyrics by Les Reed and Roger Cook.Drawing its title from F. Scott Fitzgerald's second novel, it focuses on the turbulent relationship he shared with his wife Zelda during the Jazz Age...
and Susan StromanSusan StromanSusan Stroman is an American theatre director, choreographer, film director, and performer. She has won the Tony Award for both her choreography and direction, notably for the stage musical The Producers.-Early years:...
's dance musical ContactContact (musical)Contact: The Musical is a musical "dance play" that was developed by Susan Stroman and John Weidman, with its "book" by Weidman and both choreography and direction by Stroman. It ran both off-Broadway and on Broadway in 1999 - 2000. It consists of three separate one-act dance...
. Most recently, she has played lead roles in the English National OperaEnglish National OperaEnglish National Opera is an opera company based in London, resident at the London Coliseum in St. Martin's Lane. It is one of the two principal opera companies in London, along with the Royal Opera, Covent Garden...
production of On The Town and the first major London production of ParadeParade (musical)Parade is a musical with a book by Alfred Uhry and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. The musical was first produced on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theater on December 17, 1998. The production was directed by Harold Prince and closed 28 February 1999 after only 39 previews and 84 regular...
at the Donmar WarehouseDonmar WarehouseDonmar Warehouse is a small not-for-profit theatre in the Covent Garden area of London, with a capacity of 251.-About:Under the artistic leadership of Michael Grandage, the theatre has presented some of London’s most memorable award-winning theatrical experiences, as well as garnered critical...
- Gary AvisGary AvisGary Avis is an English ballet dancer and Principal Character Artist with The Royal Ballet, a leading classical ballet company based in London, England. Born in Ipswich, he began studying dance locally at the age of 12, later attending the Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts in Sidcup, Kent...
- trained at Bird College and the Royal Ballet SchoolRoyal Ballet SchoolThe Royal Ballet School is one of the most famous classical ballet schools in the world and is the associate school of the Royal Ballet, a leading international ballet company based at the Royal Opera House in London...
. He joined The Royal Ballet in 1989 and was promoted to SoloistSolo (dance)A solo dance is danced by an individual dancing alone, as opposed to couples dancing together but independently of others dancing at the same time, if any, and as opposed to groups of people dancing simultaneously in a coordinated manner. Solo dancers are usually the best dancers in a group or...
in 1995. In 1999 he was a co-founder of K-balletK-balletK-ballet is a Japanese ballet company. The company started in 1999 and has since held approximately 50 annual performances. K-Ballet's activity was first recognised internationally in July 2004, when the ballet group was invited to New York's Metropolitan Opera House with The Royal Ballet, one of...
in Japan, also appearing in the Channel 4Channel 4Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
documentary series "Ballet Boyz". Avis later joined English National BalletEnglish National BalletEnglish National Ballet is a classical ballet company founded by Dame Alicia Markova and Sir Anton Dolin and based at Markova House in South Kensington, London, England. Along with the Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Scottish Ballet, it is one of the four major ballet companies in Great...
as First Soloist in 2002, returning to the Royal Ballet in 2004. He was promoted to Principal Character ArtistCharacter dancersCharacter dancers play an important part in classical ballet. Before the nineteenth century, rôles such as peasants and sailors were considered character dancers and often were part of Commedia dell'arte...
in 2005 and Assistant Ballet MasterBallet MasterBallet Master is the term used for an employee of a ballet company who is responsible for the level of competence of the dancers in their company...
in 2007.
- Warren CarlyleWarren CarlyleWarren Carlyle is a director and choreographer who was born in Norwich, Norfolk, England. He received Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Director of a Musical for Finian's Rainbow.-Biography:...
- was Associate Choreographer for the BroadwayBroadway theatreBroadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
and West End theatreWest End theatreWest End theatre is a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London's 'Theatreland', the West End. Along with New York's Broadway theatre, West End theatre is usually considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English speaking...
revivals of the Mel BrooksMel BrooksMel Brooks is an American film director, screenwriter, composer, lyricist, comedian, actor and producer. He is best known as a creator of broad film farces and comic parodies. He began his career as a stand-up comic and as a writer for the early TV variety show Your Show of Shows...
musical The ProducersThe Producers (musical)The Producers is a musical adapted by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan from Brooks' 1968 film of the same name, with lyrics written by Brooks and music composed by Brooks and arranged by Glen Kelly and Doug Besterman. As in the film, the story concerns two theatrical producers who scheme to get rich...
, working with Choreographer, Susan StromanSusan StromanSusan Stroman is an American theatre director, choreographer, film director, and performer. She has won the Tony Award for both her choreography and direction, notably for the stage musical The Producers.-Early years:...
. He was Associate Choreographer for the 2005 film revivalThe Producers (2005 film)# "Overture" - Orchestra# "Opening Night" - Opening Nighters# "We Can Do It" - Max and Leo# "I Wanna Be a Producer" - Leo, Accountants, Mr. Marks and Dancing Chorus Girls# "Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop" - Franz, Max, and Leo...
, also performing as a cast member in both the London and New York theatre productions. He also danced in the film Center StageCenter StageCenter Stage is a 2000 American drama film, directed by Nicholas Hytner, about a group of young dancers from various backgrounds who enroll at the fictitious American Ballet Academy in New York City...
- Melanie ChisholmMelanie ChisholmMelanie Jayne Chisholm is an English singer-songwriter, actress and businesswoman professionally known simply as Melanie C . She is best known as one of the five members of the girl group Spice Girls, in which she was nicknamed "Sporty Spice"...
- trained at Bird College before becoming a member of the Spice GirlsSpice GirlsThe Spice Girls were a British pop girl group formed in 1994. The group consisted of Victoria Beckham , Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm and Geri Halliwell. They were signed to Virgin Records and released their debut single, "Wannabe" in 1996, which hit number-one in more than 30...
.
- Sue HodgeSue HodgeSue Hodge is a British actress, best known for her role as the waitress Mimi Labonq in the BBC sitcom Allo 'Allo!...
- trained at Bird College and has subsequently worked extensively in theatre and on television. Best known for her portrayal of Mimi LabonqMimi LabonqMimi Le Bonque is a fictional character on the BBC situation comedy 'Allo 'Allo!. She first appeared in the fourth season, and stayed with the show until the end....
in the long-running BBC sitcom 'Allo 'Allo!'Allo 'Allo!'Allo 'Allo! is a British sitcom broadcast on BBC One from 1982 to 1992 comprising eighty-five episodes. It is a parody of another BBC programme, the wartime drama Secret Army, and was created by David Croft, who also wrote the theme music, and Jeremy Lloyd. Lloyd and Croft wrote the first 6...
, her credits also include numerous West End and touring theatre productions and other television series' and appearances such as Noel's House PartyNoel's House PartyNoel's House Party was a BBC television light entertainment show hosted by Noel Edmonds that was broadcast live on Saturday evenings throughout the 1990s. It was set in a large house in the fictional village of Crinkley Bottom, leading to much innuendo. The show was broadcast during the...
, Royal Variety PerformanceRoyal Variety PerformanceThe Royal Variety Performance is a gala evening held annually in the United Kingdom, which is attended by senior members of the British Royal Family, usually the reigning monarch. In more recent years Queen Elizabeth II and The Prince of Wales have alternately attended the performance...
and Children in NeedChildren in NeedChildren in Need is an annual British charity appeal organised by the BBC. Since 1980 it has raised over £500 million. The highlight of the Children in Need appeal is an annual telethon, held in November. A teddy bear named "Pudsey Bear" fronts the campaign, while Terry Wogan is a long...
.
- Gavin LeeGavin LeeGavin Lee is an English actor who is currently starring as Bert on Broadway in the musical Mary Poppins. He previously originated the role in the original West End production. He was chosen for the Broadway role because of his critically acclaimed performance as Bert in the West End production...
- most noted for creating the role of 'Bert' in the West EndWest End theatreWest End theatre is a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London's 'Theatreland', the West End. Along with New York's Broadway theatre, West End theatre is usually considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English speaking...
premiere of Mary Poppins The MusicalMary Poppins (musical)Mary Poppins is a Walt Disney Theatrical musical based on the similarly titled series of children's books by P. L. Travers and the Disney 1964 film. The West End production opened in December 2004 and received two Olivier Awards, one for Best Actress in a Musical and the other for Best Theatre...
, a role which he later re-created for the new BroadwayBroadway theatreBroadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
production of the show. He has received both Olivier Award and Tony AwardTony AwardThe Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City. The awards are given for Broadway...
nominations for this role.
- John PartridgeJohn Partridge (performer)John Partridge is an English actor, singer, dancer, panelist and television presenter, who is probably best known for the role of Christian Clarke in the long-running BBC television soap opera EastEnders, having joined the cast in January 2008...
- has performed a number of critically acclaimed roles in West End musicals and throughout Europe. He is most noted for his performance of 'Rum-Tum-Tugger' in the official film of Andrew Lloyd WebberAndrew Lloyd WebberAndrew Lloyd Webber, Baron Lloyd-Webber is an English composer of musical theatre.Lloyd Webber has achieved great popular success in musical theatre. Several of his musicals have run for more than a decade both in the West End and on Broadway. He has composed 13 musicals, a song cycle, a set of...
's musical CatsCats (musical)Cats is a musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot...
, but Partridge has also played leading roles in musicals such as Starlight ExpressStarlight ExpressStarlight Express is a rock musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber , Richard Stilgoe and Arlene Phillips , with later revisions by Don Black and David Yazbek . The story follows a child's dream in which his toy train set comes to life; famously the actors perform wearing roller skates...
, Notre Dame de ParisNotre Dame de Paris (musical)Notre-Dame de Paris is a sung-through French-Canadian musical which debuted on 16 September 1998 in Paris. It is based upon the novel Notre-Dame de Paris by the French novelist Victor Hugo...
, RentRent (musical)Rent is a rock musical with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson based on Giacomo Puccini's opera La bohème...
and TabooTaboo (musical)Taboo is a stage musical with a book by Mark Davies , lyrics by Boy George, and music by George and Kevan Frost....
. Since February 2008, Partridge has been a cast member of the long-running British soap operaSoap operaA soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
EastEndersEastEndersEastEnders is a British television soap opera, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 February 1985 and continuing to today. EastEnders storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the fictional London Borough of Walford in the East End...
.
- Lara PulverLara PulverLara Pulver is an English actress who has received nominations for the 2008 Laurence Olivier Awards and 'Whatsonstage' Theatregoers Choice Awards.-Career:...
- trained at Bird College, graduating with a BA (Hons) Degree in 2000. She has appeared in a number of productions including Into The WoodsInto the WoodsInto the Woods is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. It debuted in San Diego at the Old Globe Theatre in 1986, and premiered on Broadway in 1987. Bernadette Peters' performance as the Witch and Joanna Gleason's portrayal of the Baker's Wife brought acclaim...
at the Royal Opera HouseRoyal Opera HouseThe Royal Opera House is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, central London. The large building is often referred to as simply "Covent Garden", after a previous use of the site of the opera house's original construction in 1732. It is the home of The Royal Opera, The...
in Covent GardenCovent GardenCovent Garden is a district in London on the eastern fringes of the West End, between St. Martin's Lane and Drury Lane. It is associated with the former fruit and vegetable market in the central square, now a popular shopping and tourist site, and the Royal Opera House, which is also known as...
, Honk!Honk!Honk! is a musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen story The Ugly Duckling, incorporating a message of tolerance. The book and lyrics are by Anthony Drewe and music is by George Stiles...
, High SocietyHigh Society (musical)High Society is a musical with a book by Arthur Kopit and music and lyrics by Cole Porter.Based on the Philip Barry play The Philadelphia Story and the 1956 musical screen adaptation with Porter's songs, High Society, the plot centers on pretentious Long Island socialite Tracy Lord, who is planning...
and A Chorus LineA Chorus LineA Chorus Line is a 1975 musical about Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line. The book was authored by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, lyrics were written by Edward Kleban, and music was composed by Marvin Hamlisch....
. In 2008, Pulver received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for 'Best Actress in a Musical', for her performance in the West End production of ParadeParade (musical)Parade is a musical with a book by Alfred Uhry and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. The musical was first produced on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theater on December 17, 1998. The production was directed by Harold Prince and closed 28 February 1999 after only 39 previews and 84 regular...
at the Donmar WarehouseDonmar WarehouseDonmar Warehouse is a small not-for-profit theatre in the Covent Garden area of London, with a capacity of 251.-About:Under the artistic leadership of Michael Grandage, the theatre has presented some of London’s most memorable award-winning theatrical experiences, as well as garnered critical...
. Her television appearances include the BBC drama series Robin Hood and HBO's True BloodTrue BloodTrue Blood is an American television series created and produced by Alan Ball. It is based on The Southern Vampire Mysteries series of novels by Charlaine Harris, detailing the co-existence of vampires and humans in Bon Temps, a fictional, small town in the state of Louisiana...
.
- Aaron SillisAaron SillisAaron Sillis is an English dancer and choreographer who has worked in many fields of dance, most notably working with leading international pop artists including Kylie Minogue, Goldfrapp, Take That, Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis, Stereophonics, Robbie Williams, Pet Shop Boys, Cheryl Cole, Sugababes,...
- trained at Bird College gaining the National Diploma in Professional Dance. Has performed in many award winning productions by the choreographer Matthew BourneMatthew BourneMatthew Bourne OBE is a British classical and contemporary ballet and dance choreographer.-Biography:Matthew Bourne was born in Hackney, London in 1960. He went to William Fitt and Sir George Monoux School in Walthamstow, London...
, including Swan Lake, Nutcracker!The NutcrackerThe Nutcracker is a two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The libretto is adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann's story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King". It was given its première at the Mariinsky Theatre in St...
, The Car Man and Dorian GrayThe Picture of Dorian GrayThe Picture of Dorian Gray is the only published novel by Oscar Wilde, appearing as the lead story in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine on 20 June 1890, printed as the July 1890 issue of this magazine...
. Has also worked as a dancer and choreographer for Kylie MinogueKylie MinogueKylie Ann Minogue, OBE - often known simply as Kylie - is an Australian singer, recording artist, songwriter, and actress. After beginning her career as a child actress on Australian television, she achieved recognition through her role in the television soap opera Neighbours, before commencing...
, Take ThatTake ThatTake That are a British five-piece vocal pop group comprising Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams. Barlow acts as the lead singer and primary songwriter...
, SugababesSugababesThe Sugababes are an English pop girl group based in London, consisting of members Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewen. The Sugababes were formed in 1998 with founding members Siobhán Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan. Their debut album, One Touch, was released in 2000 under London...
and Victoria BeckhamVictoria BeckhamVictoria Caroline Beckham is an English singer-songwriter, dancer, model, actress, fashion designer and businesswoman. In the late 1990s, Beckham rose to fame with the all-female pop group Spice Girls and was dubbed Posh Spice by the July 1996 issue of the British pop music magazine Top of the Pops...
. Winner of The TimesThe TimesThe Times is a British daily national newspaper, first published in London in 1785 under the title The Daily Universal Register . The Times and its sister paper The Sunday Times are published by Times Newspapers Limited, a subsidiary since 1981 of News International...
Breakthrough Award sponsored at the 2009 South Bank Show Awards.