Sutton Coldfield stage school’s young performers take to the West End

Young performers from Razzamataz Sutton Coldfield have taken to the stage of a West End theatre, in what the stage school describes as a highlight of 2026.

Students from the theatre school performed for one day only at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s theatre district, which has hosted shows including Mrs Doubtfire and is currently home to Avenue Q.

They performed an all-singing, all-dancing medley from MJ the Musical, inspired by the music and legacy of Michael Jackson.

During rehearsals, the students worked with Kwame Kandekore, creative associate on the project. He has spent years playing Michael Jackson in the West End, in the original casts of both Motown the Musical and MJ the Musical.

Gemma Hextall, joint owner of Razzamataz Sutton Coldfield, said: “This experience is just one of many of the kind of opportunities we are always striving to provide for our students.

“We have a rich history of enriching our students’ learning and life experiences with such events and projects.

“We are so proud of not only the way our students performed, but the way they conducted themselves in a West End theatre, showing vast talent and courage in equal measures.”

Mr Kandekore said: “The students performed really complex material unbelievably well. It filled me with so much emotion to watch, especially after working with them during the process of rehearsals and seeing them bring to life the music and legacy that means so much to not only me as a performer, but so many in the world.

“A truly iconic performance that the young students should be so proud of.”

Razzamataz Sutton Coldfield offers dance, drama and singing classes for children and young people aged two to 18.

More information is available via the website or on Instagram.