Highlights from Performing Arts

Ballet Rambert

We were delighted to be invited to the Ballet Rambert's boys dance day. This day is set up to encourage boys to take part in dance and to showcase the work Ballet Rambert do. We took students from across all key stages and experience and each one performed extremely well. At the end of the day they were rewarded with a performance by the male dancers at the school, and a question and answer session.

Chiswick Performs at International Twinning Celebration

As part of the renewal of the twinning between Hounslow and the French town of Issy-les-Moulineaux, we were honoured to be asked to provide some entertainment. As luck would have it, we were already preparing for a production that included Les Misérables—and we even had two French-speaking students in our cast!

The performance was extremely well received, and the audience of dignitaries and residents from both towns truly appreciated the effort we made to ensure the “entente cordiale” came from Chiswick. A letter of thanks from the Head of Hounslow Council is attached in recognition of our involvement in this special event.

Chiswick Performs at Inaugural Hounslow Drama Festival

We’ve been working closely with Hounslow Arts Centre this year to support their school outreach programme. As part of this partnership, several of our Sixth Form students helped launch a new Youth Advisory Board.

One of the key outcomes of this collaboration was the inaugural Hounslow Drama Festival, which brought together schools from across the borough – from primary through to college level – each contributing a performance of their choice. The evening showcased a vibrant mix of plays, dance, and music.

Chiswick’s contribution included a series of short (and comedic) Shakespeare scenes performed by our soon-to-be Year 10 Performing Arts students – many of whom were stepping onto a big stage for the first time. We also featured a powerful musical montage from Les Misérables, performed by our talented Sixth Form students.

It was a brilliant introduction to the way we work, and we have high hopes for this emerging group of performers next year!

Chiswick Dance Team Crowned National Runners-Up at Great Big Dance Off!

Back in May, we proudly won the regional finals of the Great Big Dance Off – an incredible achievement in itself. But our journey didn’t stop there. We threw ourselves into rehearsals for the Nationals, refining every detail of our routine and even welcoming a few more dancers to the crew.

The long journey to Cheltenham was filled with excitement. At a service station en route, one of our students spotted a piano and began to play, prompting an impromptu singalong – much to the delight of everyone there. A true performing arts moment!

After a brief practice on stage, we knew we still had more to give. The standard of the competition was astonishing, with top schools from across the UK taking part. We were scheduled to perform after the interval, so we watched the first half in awe – and with a fair few nerves.

Then it was our turn. We stepped on stage, focused and ready. The roar from the crowd as we finished was one of the loudest of the night – a moment we’ll never forget.

Finally, the results were announced…

Runners-up with 272 points – just three behind the winners – CHISWICK SCHOOL!

We were absolutely thrilled. This has been an amazing journey: from a handful of dedicated students five years ago, to now – ranked second in the entire country. It’s a testament to the hard work of our dancers and staff, and to the belief that anyone can be part of something extraordinary.

We are so proud. Watch this space – we’re only getting started!

JAMES! A Giant Success for Our End-of-Year Show

Our end-of-year production was an imaginative and high-energy adaptation of James and the Giant Peach! Over just five weeks, students poured their hearts into bringing this surreal and colourful story to life – rehearsing during breaks, weekends, and holidays, and even building the set, costumes, and props themselves.

Based on the beloved Roald Dahl tale of a boy, his villainous aunties, and one very large peach, the play was packed with surprises. James was played by a talented Year 7 newcomer, who brought sensitivity and excitement to the role. A narrator guided the audience throughout, reminding them that perhaps this wasn’t real at all – maybe just a dream?

At the interval, the audience was asked to leave – and returned to find a full-scale giant peach constructed on stage! The moment of confusion was priceless, topped only by their stunned laughter when it all came tumbling down at the end of Act Two.

Blending music, film, and surreal imagery, this production captured the wild energy of James’ imagination and completely pulled the audience into his world.

A huge well done to all the students involved – your creativity, hard work, and joy lit up the stage.

REVIEW, NOT NEW — A Six-Year Celebration of Year 13

At the end of each year, we traditionally produce a review of the past 12 months. But this year was different. To celebrate the incredible journey of our extraordinary Year 13 students, we decided to look back over the past six years instead.

The production, held at Hounslow Arts Centre (where we began the year with our Shakespeare evening), was a powerful and emotional celebration of all they’ve achieved.

The evening featured highlights from productions stretching all the way back to Year 7 – starting with The Grinch, and leading right up to this year’s James and the Giant Peach. It was a rollercoaster of memories, packed with laughs, cheers and more than a few tears.

We ended the night with a full-cast performance of Take That’s "Rule the World" – and, honestly, we believe they just might.

Arts Awards – THE BIG ONE!

This is the evening everyone talks about… Who will win? What will we celebrate? But mostly… what shall I wear?

Guests arrived in their finest outfits and were greeted by Daf, the drumming band from our Persian Evening. Elderflower fizz and bubbly were served on arrival, with a classic car parked outside for that all-important red carpet photo moment.

The evening kicked off with a heartfelt speech from a parent, reflecting on the incredible sense of community in the Arts and applauding the hard work of every student and staff member involved.

Music opened the show with a lively jazz number, The Chicken. One of our music students gave a speech about feeling welcomed into the Chiswick community, naming the Persian Evening as his standout moment of the year. Thirteen music awards were presented, including Best Song, Steel Pans, Most Improved, and the prestigious Musician of the Year, which went to our exceptional guitarist, Youssef.

Next came a surprise dance performance on stage, with students from every key stage taking part, raising the energy in the room even further.

During the break, the PTA served wraps, cake, and some much- needed refreshments before the spotlight turned to Drama. A new sixth former shared how her spark for acting had been ignited this year. Thirteen drama awards were handed out, including Best Actor, Dedication, Values, and Drama Student of the Year, which went to the outstanding Dolly in Year 9. The PA Choir followed with a moving performance.

In the Dance section, another new student spoke about how much joining the Dance programme had changed her outlook on performance and life. The audience were proud to hear about the group’s success at the Great Big Dance Off. The title of Dancer of the Year was awarded to sixth former Audrey.

We then moved on to awards for Performing Arts, including the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Principal’s Award.

The excitement peaked with our first special guest of the evening — Rakhee Thakrar, star of EastEnders and Sex Education. She spoke about the power of resilience and following your dream, before presenting our Inspiration Awards.

And then… the big one: Artist of the Year.

Our second guest, comedian Al Murray, took the stage and declared:

"If Martians ever landed here, they’d be convinced this is a specialist performing arts school!"

As the video montage rolled, the name was revealed…

Year 11 student Martha was crowned Artist of the Year!

Confetti cannons exploded, the audience jumped to their feet, and the cheers filled the room.

What a perfect ending to what has truly been the best year yet.

One More Show! A Surprise Final Performance at Chiswick House

Just when we thought our last show of the year had taken its final bow... the call came in.

Hounslow Arts were staging A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Chiswick House and needed a matinee performance — and we couldn’t resist.

With just three days to prepare, we rose to the challenge. Drawing from performances we had already created — including our Mini Shakespeares — we pieced together a joyful showcase of Shakespeare-themed drama, dance and song.

On a bright and sunny Wednesday afternoon, we made our way to the park and performed in front of a small but wonderfully enthusiastic audience. It was a fitting and heartfelt finale to our performing arts journey for 2024/25.

What a Year for Performing Arts!

It has been an extraordinary year for Performing Arts at Chiswick School.

• 27 performances across 10 different venues
• Over 150 students involved in at least one production
• Shortlisted for TES Creative Excellence Award
• Finalists in the National School Theatre Awards – Best Play, Best Actor, and Best Actress
• Great Big Dance Off – Regional Champions and National Runners-Up

We’re so proud of every student, staff member, and supporter who made this year possible.

To celebrate, we’ve compiled a short video capturing just a few of the amazing moments from this unforgettable year… enjoy!

See you in September!