Following the success of last year’s Durham Fringe Festival performance, our talented performing arts students were invited back to perform on the iconic Palace Green in front of Durham Cathedral.
19 of our performers across Level 3 and our Foundation Degree worked together to rehearse their Class of 2023 show.
This experience allowed the group to work to the demands of the industry, giving them a real insight into professional working practices and the nature of fringe theatre. In just two days, the students and staff rehearsed the performance. When arriving at the venue on show day, there was only 15 minutes before the show for them to sound check and set up.
Gemma Whelam, Lecturer at NCD, commented:
“We are all so proud of the professionalism, work ethic and teamwork of the group. The show was outstanding.”
Featuring the ‘best bits’ from the year, the show included the opening from one of their end of year shows, Carrie the Musical, a varied monologue slam and tracks from A Family Affair of the Westend and Broadway, such as Waitress, Addams Family the Musical and Aladdin The Musical.
After their show, the group enjoyed a weekend of theatre and networking events complimentary of Durham Fringe Fest. In August, the students will experience another round of fringe fun at Edinburgh Fringe.
Jessica Hopper, Performing Arts student, enthused:
“I loved learning new pieces in just two days to perform, especially the opening of Carrie. It was eye opening to experience how quick the turnaround is with another show before and after you. I love really like to perform a fringe show again so it was extremely useful. It was the cherry on the cake getting to watch the other shows at Durham Fringe with my performers pass.”
Stephen Cronin, Durham Fringe Festival Director, said:
“It was great to get the students involved. They are brilliant performers and the lecturers at NCD worked very well with the group, they produce performers of real quality.”