The multi-talented Lorraine Mahoney of Semington put on a well-attended showcase at Spencer’s Sport & Social Club in Melksham on Friday 17th April. The dance teacher, come choir conductor, come soprano singer, put all of her efforts into giving her pupils the chance to show their families and friends what they have been working on over the last few months.

The showcase demonstrated all of the different aspects of West Wiltshire School for Performing Arts, which included performances from Lorraine’s Saturday morning Musical Theatre classes, her Glee Club, her ladies Tap Group and her Street Fit class. Her individual singing pupils performed as soloists and her ladies choir, The Semingtones, kindly closed both halves of the show with some well-known songs. The ladies choir, consisting of more than 30 local women, recently performed and were placed second at Swindon Musical Festival. The ladies therefore graced the audience on the Friday night showcase with the songs they sang at the festival.

WWSPA is assisted by Sarah-Jane Adlington who, as well as helping out with the show, did two wonderful performances herself. Sarah-Jane is a singer-songwriter and has performed in numerous shows in Bath and also at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Lorraine joined her ladies tap group, her ladies choir group and her Street Fit class for their performances and in the second half, performed a wonderful rendition of O Mio Babbino Caro, by Puccini which left the audience speechless.

There was overwhelming support for the show which included and abundance of raffle prizes that were kindly donated, a local Zumba class came and did a demonstration, The Fitness League put on a routine and the support from the children’s parents and local residents was shown through the sheer number of tickets that were sold. Lorraine commented: “I can’t believe how many people turned up to come and watch, it’s fantastic and has made the last few weeks of hard work well worth it. All of the performers are so passionate about what they do and it was so rewarding to see them all go up there and enjoy themselves, whilst doing something they love for the ones they love. A great evening.”

To find out more about West Wiltshire School for Performing Arts, you can contact Lorraine on Tel: 07730 254122, email wwspa@theatresense.co.uk or visit www.WWSPA.co.uk

Sarah Meason