Local performing arts students are excited to be giving back to younger performers as they come together to work on Pauline Quirke Academy Peterborough’s forthcomings shows – Oliver Jr. at the Key Theatre in June, and brand-new musical adventure ‘Across the Line’ at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End in November.
Having progressed on to their own full-time training in performing arts, they are now back at the Academy as part of the Teaching Assistant team.
PQA prides itself on the pathway it provides for young people to investigate their skills, be creative and build their confidence in a safe and encouraging environment. It is testament to Principal, Maureen Wardill, and the whole team at PQA Peterborough to see that young people can’t get enough of the academy, and want to help.
Rhyanna and Caroline both joined PQA the day it opened its doors in Peterborough nearly six years ago on 22nd April 2017. They both went on to take principal roles in the West End show ‘Trouble’s a Brewin’ in Albuquerque’ in November 2019 and since then have gone from strength to strength.
As the Academy expanded one year later, opening an afternoon session, Jess and Izzy signed up straight away, and both were made Group Prefects very soon after, due to their commitment and leadership skills.
Rhyanna, who is currently studying towards a Musical Theatre Degree, remembers the moment she stepped on the West End stage as the protagonist of the show, Annie. She said: “I was so nervous about getting the pitch right in one of my solos, I kept saying to myself ‘I’m gonna get it right’, over and over. But once I got on stage it all fell into place and I’ve not looked back! I am thrilled to be able to pass on my own experience and come back to the Academy where it all started for me”.
Caroline was very passionate in the Film & TV module and played a key role in award winning film ‘Awkward!’. For this film Caroline not only wrote the script and directed the piece, but also played a part in the film.
“When I first stepped into Film & TV class I felt immediately inspired,” said Caroline. It was wonderful to be involved in something so new to me and I found it really challenging. Then being involved in the West End show brought out my confidence and inspired me to study Dance full time at college. It’s a pleasure to be a part of helping younger students to gain their confidence in the same way I did’.
PQA Peterborough operates on Saturdays at The Peterborough School in Thorpe Road. There is a morning and an afternoon Academy where students study Musical theatre, Film & TV and Comedy & Drama. The Academy is recruiting students for its forthcoming shows now.
Find more about PQA Peterborough here
