PERFORMING ARTS AND MUSIC 2026

PERFORMING ARTS | MUSIC | DANCE

Performing Arts

National Theatre Connections 2026

It’s difficult to express how brilliant NT Connections is.  It has become a fundamental part of my students’ educational experience. They learn and grow so much through this process that goes beyond their college and their course.  Participation in Connections gives them a taste of what it means to work in this industry – the mind-set and dedication required to produce work of the highest standard possible.
Andrew Wilson – Group Leader

The poster for Fishville, Designed and Photographed by Dudley College Student, Hollie Grigg

Dudley College Students Make Waves with Fishville at
National Theatre Connections 2026

This year, the incredible talent of our Dudley College students took center stage as they participated in National Theatre Connections 2026. As part of this prestigious nationwide youth theatre festival, our cast and crew brought the powerful, sea-soaked mystery Fishville, by Afsaneh Gray, to life.

The play begins with a chilling premise: a young man named Jared wades into the sea in his swimming gear, but never starts swimming. His sudden disappearance—triggered by the unexpected sale of his parents’ home—throws the coastal town of Saltwell into chaos. When a severed foot washes ashore, two local teenagers dive into an investigation, uncovering strange local myths about a hidden underwater community.

Our students delivered an outstanding performance, navigating the play’s blend of suspense, dark humor, and complex themes. Taking part in Connections 2026 gave our young theatre-makers the unique opportunity to premiere a brand-new script commissioned by the National Theatre, showcasing the incredible depth of creative talent we cultivate right here at the college. Congratulations to the entire cast and creative team behind the scenes for a truly unforgettable production!

Watch This Performance of NT Connections Fishville by Dudley College Performing Arts Students

‘Wheelchair on my Face’ by Sonya Kelly

‘I got my first pair of glasses when I was seven. A nurse came to the school and tested everyone’s eyes. And so it was discovered why I’d thrown bread to the floating crisp packets in our local pond and walked into lamp posts and said, ‘excuse me’. Until that day the world was a swirl of moving coloured blobs. I thought it was the same for everyone. How wrong I was.’

Part memoir, part theatre and part standup comedy this delightful story of a myopic seven-year-old is brought to you by actor, comedian and playwright Sonya Kelly. Sonya tells her story about growing up with poor vision that went undiagnosed until she was seven years old. Combining several forms of theatre, this delightful story shows us how we can better the world even if we cannot see the world.

Performed by Sophie Sergison as a one-woman show as part our Director’s series at Dudley College on 24 March 2026. Directed by Ella Hardisty.

Watch These Stunning Performances of Wheelchair on my face
by Dudley College Student, Sophie Sergison

‘Shakers’ by John Godber and Jane Thornton

Carol, Adele, Niki and Mel work in a bar that is worse than hell! Welcome to the 80s, where every town has its Shakers, the oh so trendy cocktail bar where everyone wants to be seen, from the checkout girls to the chinless wonders, from the luvvies to the local lads tittering at the thought of a “long slow comfortable screw”.

Shakers gives a wickedly funny glimpse of this world as seen through the eyes of the four long-suffering waitresses, offering a fascinating view of the reality that lurks behind the plastic palms and the Pina Coladas.

Performed by 2nd Year Actors – Sophie Sergison – Ella Hardisty – Hannah Shaw and Faye Williams, as part of their Personal Project work on 12 November 2025. Directed by Samanta Zarebska

Watch These Incredible Performances of Shakers by Dudley College Students, Sophie Sergison,
Ella Hardisty, Hannah Shaw and Faye Williams

Posters for the 1st Year Devised Pieces Being Performed at This Year’s Artsfest

Music

Temper Tantrum Live at Centrala, Birmingham

As part of their Final Major Project, the Dudley College students in Temper Tantrum went one step further than just playing a gig – they decided to organise their own punk music festival.

The sold-out event, called Queers in the Pit, took place at Centrala – a cutting-edge alternative music and art venue in Birmingham’s thriving creative hub, Digbeth. Also on the bill were bands from all over the UK, who Temper Tantrum have played with previously in many other cities.

Describing themselves as “a high-energy, all-female/queer Riot Grrrl punk band” Temper Tantrum performed a mix of original music and classic covers on the night, which was a huge success for everyone involved.

The night also coincided with the release of the band’s debut EP, ‘Have I Offended You Yet?’ which is available on their Bandcamp page.

Temper Tantrum will be bringing their riotous, raucous blend of energy and rage to a gig near you soon. Follow them on Instagram or visit their Bandcamp page to stay tuned!

Check out Temper Tantrum’s set From the Queers in the Pit Event at Centrala, Birmingham.

Year 2 Level 3 Music – Tribute performance from College Theatre 1

Year 2 Level 3 Music – Tribute performance from College Theatre 2

Year 1 Level 3 Music – External gig at River Rooms, Stourbridge

Check out This Video Featuring Regan Scrivens, Dominic Williams, Cody Moon, Isaac Steel,
Siena Moore and Jack Catton

Dance

BTEC L3 Dance – The Last to Rise Performance

‘The Last to Rise’ explores the personal journeys performers take in pursuit of their ambitions. At first, success appears glamorous and effortless, but as the illusion fades, the reality of competition, pressure, self-doubt and sacrifice begins to unfold. Each dancer represents a different pathway, revealing how individuals face challenges, form alliances, experience betrayal, and struggle with expectations from society and themselves. As the journey continues, some fall behind while others move forward. In the end, the dancer who struggles the most discovers the strength to rise, reminding us that success is not about who reaches the top first, but about perseverance and resilience.