Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

The principal of a leading West Wales theatre arts school has welcome a new study which shows how children benefit from learning ‘outside’ of the classroom. The importance of developing life skills is one of the key topics highlighted in the new study. Liane Davies, principal of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Milford Haven, said the study put the spotlight on how children could improve their performance in school through the performing arts. She said: “Learning isn’t confined to the classroom. Developing life skills, building confidence and having fun should all be part of every child’s education and development.” The survey of 1500 parents whose children attend Stagecoach Theatre Arts, found an overwhelming majority had seen improvements in their child’s confidence, social skills and general happiness and well-being. Results included - A huge 93.7% of parents reported that their child was more confident at school.  85% of parents had seen an improveme...

Members of the ‘Performance Troupe’ from Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen are heading to the bright lights of London’s West End. The Carmarthen pupils have secured a place in a national Stagecoach extravaganza to be held in June at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the heart of the UK’s ‘Theatre-land’. Fellow pupils from Stagecoach Theatre Arts Haverfordwest have also secured a place at the extravaganza. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the pupils,” said Stagecoach school Principal Liane Davies. “Live shows give the youngsters a real chance to dazzle and show off their talents – and what better place for a live show than London’s West End? “Her Majesty’s Theatre is one of the premiere venues in the West End and has been home to the record-breaking Phantom of the Opera. “You can imagine what sort of a buzz the youngsters will get from working at such a prestigious venue.” The ‘set’ being prepared by the Carmarthen troupe includes a medley from the hit musical Wicked. The West End appe...

Christmas has come early for pupils at the Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools in Carmarthen and Haverfordwest. Some have just finished watching themselves taking part in the hit Sky1 TV series Stella. Some have been working on filming for the Christmas special for the popular comic tale of Valleys life. “It’s been a wonderful time for many of our students, being able to see themselves on national TV alongside such wonderful people such as Ruth Jones,” said Stagecoach school Principal Liane Davies. “And the fun just keeps on coming for the pupils as some of them are busy working on the Christmas special. “It seems very strange for them to be working on a Christmas show before we get to Easter, but such is the magic of television.” Liane added: “We are very lucky with our Stagecoach schools in that we have access to the national Stagecoach Agency, which is able to secure work and opportunities for our talented youngsters.” One pupil to benefit from working on the Stella show is Ffion G...

Pupils at Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest are getting ready to stage the dazzling Wizard of Oz at The Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen. The youngsters will be performing the stage show based on the classic film from Tuesday, March 25, to Saturday, March 29. “We’ve got a big cast, colourful costumes and scenery and the best song and dance numbers,” said Stagecoach school Principal Liane Davies. “There’ll be a chance for all the pupils to shine at different stages of the week as some players will be rotated in different parts to give everyone a chance to take centre stage. “For example, we have six ‘Dorothys’ lined-up to play the lead role in the show, which features nightly performances and a matinee on the Saturday. “There’s a real buzz in the air at Stagecoach as we’ve just come back from taking the pupils to see the marvellous ‘Wicked’ at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff. “Wicked is something of a follow-up to the Wizard of Oz, so it was a great opportunity...

Pupils at Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest are getting ready to stage Hairspray the Musical this month. ‘Good morning Baltimore’, ‘The Nicest Kids in Town’ and ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ will be ringing out at venues in Carmarthen and Haverfordwest. “It’s an ambitious show,” said Stagecoach theatre arts school Principal Liane Davies. “But the Stagecoach Main School pupils are up for the challenge. “It’s also a very topical show as Hairspray is currently on a very successful UK tour. Our shows will give you the chance to see the musical on your doorstep. “Tickets are selling fast for the shows, so the advice is to book early. Students will be performing in full costume, alongside a live orchestra and the shows are not to be missed.” The performances will take place on July 10 and 11 at Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest, and July 18, 19 and 20 at Queen Elizabeth High School, Carmarthen. Liane added: “Rehearsals have been going great and the Stagecoach pup...

Pupils of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest are still on a high after a real Cats’ whiskers event in Birmingham West Wales pupils from Stagecoach took part in a special performance of the musical Cats at the 12,000-seat National Indoor Arena in Birmingham. The world-famous Andrew Lloyd Webber musical was performed as part of the 25th anniversary of Stagecoach Theatre Arts in the UK. One of the star pupils at Carmarthen’s Stagecoach theatre arts group landed a key role in the musical. Gwenno Jones (pictured above), 16, from Nantgaredig, is a pupil at Stagecoach based at the Queen Elizabeth High School, Johnstown, Carmarthen. The Bro Myrddin school pupil was joined on stage by other pupils from Stagecoach who had rehearsed especially for the gala show. The evening was opened by Jonathan Antoine and Charlotte Jaconelli from Britain’s Got Talent. “It was a thrilling occasion for all the pupils,” said Stagecoach Carmarthen and Haverfordwest principal Liane Davies. “A...

A ground-breaking theatre performance group will be opening its doors in Llanelli on Tuesday, March 12. Called ‘InterAct’, the group will give disadvantaged youngsters and children with learning difficulties the chance to enjoy drama, dance and singing workshops. “It really is an innovative venture designed to help children into theatre-based activities,” said Liane Davies (pictured above), one of the co-founders of the Llanelli venture. “InterAct is gradually developing in other parts of the UK, but this will be the very first InterAct group in Wales, right here in Llanelli. “And it’s going to be based at the brand new state-of-the-art Y Ffwrnes theatre in Llanelli.” The foundation stones for InterAct have been laid by the Stagecoach Charitable Trust, a wing of the hugely-successful Stagecoach theatre arts group. Liane runs Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest and will be the managing teacher of InterAct Llanelli after establishing the group with a colleague fr...

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest are staging an unique opportunity to sing, dance and act with Kylie Minogue and Justin Timberlake’s choreographer The summer workshop day is a ‘one-off’ opportunity to learn from Tim Noble, a former mentor and choreographer on the Pop Idol and X-Factor TV series. “There’s something of a ‘Wow factor; about this workshop as Tim Noble has a brilliant reputation working with superstars like Kylie Minogue and Justin Timberlake,” said Liane Davies, principal of the Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools in Carmarthen and Haverfordwest. “It’s a very special workshop and will be the highlight of the summer holidays for many of our pupils. It promises to be the experience of a lifetime for many.” Young performers aged between seven and 16 are invited to join the Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen and Haverfordwest West Wales workshop on Tuesday, August 13. With no previous experience necessary, children and teenagers of all abilities will get t...

A pupil at Carmarthen’s leading theatre arts school has scooped a prestigious national award. Aaron Pryce-Lewis (pictured centre above), aged 17, from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, was awarded Gold for Excellence in this year’s Stagecoach Inspiration Awards. The Stagecoach theatre arts school Inspiration Awards were created to celebrate inspirational young people and were launched in 2009 at the House of Commons. The awards recognise, acknowledge and reward young people from all walks of life who have faced adversity, demonstrated bravery, shown courage, cared for others and are good role models for young people. Aaron received his award at a special presentation ceremony at the Victoria Palace Theatre, London, the home of Billy Elliot the Musical. Liane Davies, the principal of Stagecoach theatre arts school in Carmarthen, said: ‘‘Aaron has been with us at Stagecoach Carmarthen for just over three years and his dedication and passion for musical theatre is second to none. "A...

Students at Stagecoach Carmarthen are in for a treat this term when they get a taste of stage combat and stunt fighting. Mark Ruddick will be arriving at the theatre arts group to give senior students an insight into his work as a professional stunt performer. Mark has worked on number of feature films and has also help ‘fight arranging’ for clients such as The Glyndebourne Opera, The Broadway Theatre London and Realm Pictures. “It’s a big chance to see an expert at work,” said Stagecoach Carmarthen theatre arts group principal Liane Davies. “This is a fantastic opportunity to experience what it is like to perform in a fight scene without anyone getting hurt and to learn about the skills involved.” Places on the stage combat tutorial will be limited. Anyone who wants to join Stagecoach Carmarthen, should get in touch with Liane on 0845 604 1422 or email carmarthen@stagecoach.co.uk . Places on the tutorial are limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen has its base at the Model Chu...

Pupils at Carmarthen’s leading theatre arts school have been celebrating their exam successes. The end-of-term exams at Stagecoach Carmarthen saw an amazing 98 per cent pass rate. All the students aged six and above sat exams, with each child being marked individually on dance, singing and drama. “It’s a magnificent achievement by the Stagecoach pupils and parents and teachers are all very proud of their success,” said Stagecoach Carmarthen principal Liane Davies. “It’s been a busy year for Stagecoach pupils as we had a magnificent success with four performances of the musical Annie at The Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen in the summer. “The performances saw three different ‘Annies’ take the stage – and one dog! More than 1500 people saw the performances. “Then, we also had summer workshops featuring Beauty and the Beast and The Gruffalo. So, all in all, the children had great fun while learning plenty of new skills.” The exams were all held under the supervision of the Performan...

Carmarthen’s leading theatre arts school is continuing with its successful Welsh language classes. Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen launched new bilingual classes for ‘early years’ pupils at the school on St David’s Day. “We wondered what the reaction would be,” said Stagecoach Carmarthen principal Liane Davies. “But we have been delighted with the response. The classes are a big hit and we are continuing them this term (the new term started recently). “We have plenty of resources as I am a fluent Welsh speaker, along with two of my early stages staff. “We were keen to test the opinion of our students and their mums and dads. Everyone seems very keen on the idea, so we are continuing to have a bilingual class for one of the early years classes for four to six-year-olds. “I am a passionate supporter of the Welsh language and think that everyone deserves the best possible start in life by being bilingual. “I’m very hopeful that Stagecoach, as a national organisation, will be consi...

The popular Stagecoach Theatre Arts group in Carmarthen is branching out to help charitable causes in and around the town. “We’ve always been more than just a stage and theatre arts school,” Stagecoach principal Liane Davies said. “Getting involved in the local community is also very important to us. “The old saying is that charity begins at home and we want local charitable groups to be aware that we are there to help them for some of their fund-raising efforts. “The children at Stagecoach love performing and they love an audience, so it would be great if we could help some local charities in their hard work.” Pupils from Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen have already been asked to sing at the Radio Carmarthenshire ‘Local Hero’ awards ceremony in October. They have also been asked to perform during the Christmas activities being organised by Carmarthen Town Council to drum-up all-important festive trade for the town. Liane added: “We consider ourselves very much a part of the com...

It will be a case of ‘cue lights, cue music, cue action’ for Carmarthen’s leading theatre arts school this weekend (September 22). Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen is starting a new term – and the race is onto secure places at the popular group. “Demand is always high for places at the school, so this really is the last chance for some youngsters to climb on board at Stagecoach for this term, ” said the school principal Liane Davies. “We put the accent firmly on quality teaching here at Stagecoach and we limit class numbers to 15 pupils per class. “That philosophy of making sure that the quality of teaching is at the highest level does, of course, mean that we cannot always accommodate everyone. “But we have been doing our best to expand our services and that is why we are continuing our popular afternoon classes at Stagecoach Carmarthen. “The classes are for the six to 18-year-olds age group and run from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. We already have morning classes between 10am and 1pm. ...

‘Leaping Lizards!’ The Stagecoach Theatre Arts School in Carmarthen is planning a special production this week. The popular musical Annie will be the featured show and will take to the stage at The Lyric Theatre in King Street, Carmarthen. It’s the school’s third annual production, following on the successes of Billy Elliot and last year’s production of Oliver. “The annual summer production is always one of the highlights of the year here at Stagecoach,” said Stagecoach Carmarthen principal Liane Davies. “Annie is a very popular choice, featuring some great songs such as Maybe, Tomorrow and It’s the Hard-Knock Life. “Pupils from our new afternoon school are able to take part in the production, which will see us do three performances at the Lyric (one a matinee) on Friday and Saturday, July 20 and 21. “Every single person in the school gets an opportunity to perform in the show - even the four to six-year-olds get to do their own version of Annie in the studio of the Lyric. “As usu...

 A 10-year-old student at the Stagecoach Theatre Arts School in Carmarthen is making a name for herself with ‘big name’ model shoots in London. Grayce Davis, from Pembroke Dock, has just completed a shoot for the Marks and Spencer’s new school range of clothes. The shoot comes hot on the heels of Grayce being featured in the new Emma Bunton fashion range in the current Argos catalogue. “It’s been something of a mad whirl of events and photo-shoots in recent weeks,” Grayce’s mum, Vanessa, admitted. “But it’s been great fun. Grayce is very grounded and a very level-headed young girl and while she loves all the big name photo-shoots she doesn’t get too carried away with it all. “Every weekend, we seem to have some event to attend in London. It’s hard work, but Grayce thoroughly enjoys it and she has had the chance to meet and work with some very talented people.” Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen Principal Liane Davies said she was delighted at Grayce’s success. She added...

‘Leaping Lizards!’ The Stagecoach Theatre Arts School in Carmarthen is planning a special production this summer. The popular musical Annie will be the featured show and will take to the stage at The Lyric Theatre in King Street, Carmarthen. It’s the school’s third annual production, following on the successes of Billy Elliot and last year’s production of Oliver. “The annual summer production is always one of the highlights of the year here at Stagecoach,” said Stagecoach Carmarthen principal Liane Davies. “Annie is a very popular choice, featuring some great songs such as Maybe, Tomorrow and It’s the Hard-Knock Life. “Casting has started already and we will be starting rehearsals next term, which is April. “Pupils joining our new afternoon school will be able to take part in the production, which will see us do three performances at the Lyric (one a matinee) on Friday and Saturday, July 20 and 21. “Every single person in the school gets an opportunity to perform in the show - ev...

Carmarthen’s leading theatre arts school is expanding to cope with demand. Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen is launching a new afternoon school following the success of the morning classes. “Demand for places at Stagecoach is huge and there is a waiting list to get places,” said Stagecoach Carmarthen principal Liane Davies. “We put the accent firmly on quality teaching here at Stagecoach and we limit class numbers to 15 pupils per class. “That philosophy of making sure that the quality of teaching is at the highest level does, of course, mean that we cannot always accommodate everyone. “But we are going our best to expand our services and that is why we are going to launch afternoon classes at Stagecoach Carmarthen at the start of the new term in April. “The classes will be for the six to 18-year-olds age group and will run from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. We already have morning classes between 10am and 1pm. “Hopefully, this will open the door for some pupils who have other interests. For e...

Carmarthen’s leading theatre arts school has picked St David’s Day (Thursday, March 1) to announce a boost for the Welsh language. Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen will soon launch new bilingual classes for ‘early years’ pupils at the school. “We’ve had lots of requests for Welsh in our early years classes,” said Stagecoach Carmarthen principal Liane Davies. “We already have the resources as I am a fluent Welsh speaker, along with two of my early stages staff, so it was just a question of testing the opinion of our students and their mums and dads. “Everyone seems very keen on the idea, so, from the start of the April term, one of the early years classes for four to six-year-olds will be a bilingual class. “I am a passionate supporter of the Welsh language and think that everyone deserves the best possible start in life by being bilingual. “I think Stagecoach as a national organisation will be considering whether it wants to roll out the idea across Wales eventually. “For now, t...

A leading Carmarthenshire performing arts school has said a big ‘hello’ to the winners of its 2011 scholarships. “As always, competition for our scholarship places was massive,” said Stagecoach Carmarthen principal Liane Davies. “The scholarships are highly valued and offer a fabulous chance for youngsters who love to sing, dance and act. “Everyone taking part in the bid for scholarships had to take part in special workshops here at Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen. “The workshops were great fun and picking winners for two sections of the school – Early Stages and Main School – was a very difficult task indeed.” The scholarships, which run for a year at Stagecoach Carmarthen – were won by Morgan Lockton Sallis (Early Stages) and Rhys Horton (Main School). Morgan is five years old and is the youngest of four brothers. According to his family, Morgan is always talking and singing or humming and doesn’t like to miss out on anything that is happening in school or at home, so the Stagecoa...