CH was honoured to attend the prestigious National Schools’ Theatre Awards Gala on 23 June, held at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London’s West End. Known as ‘the Oscars for schools’, the event celebrates the talent, creativity and hard work behind school productions, offering young performers the chance to shine in front of industry professionals.
Four CH students Nana (DG/Year 12), Amelia (GE/Year 11), Dominic (DG/Year 12) and Amelie (DG/Year 12) – were shortlisted for Best Actor/Actress in a Musical, a remarkable achievement that placed them among the top school performers in the UK. The evening began with glamour and excitement as they walked down the red carpet.
The highlight of the night came when Nana delivered a moving and technically flawless rendition of ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’ from Les Misérables. His performance earned rapturous applause and unanimous approval from the 1,200-strong audience – and was one of only two solo performances selected for the evening’s programme.
In a moment of great pride for CH, Nana was awarded Best Male Soloist in a Musical, recognising not only his extraordinary vocal ability but also the commitment and emotional depth he brought to the role of Marius. It was a well-deserved honour that reflected months of dedication and rehearsal.
The evening also stood out for its incredible spirit of support and celebration, with performers cheering each other on throughout the gala. All four CH students can be proud of their national recognition and the way they represented the school on such a high-profile stage.