Legends of Pop

BE Performing Arts took to the stage at Kings School to deliver an impressive and vibrant celebration of the Legends of Pop, showcasing a wide range of musical numbers that many of us know and love. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted by the friendly front‑of‑house team, who set a welcoming tone for the evening. Kings School boasts a large performance space, and I initially wondered how such a vast stage would be filled especially by a youth company. However, BE Performing Arts rose to the challenge with confidence, colour, and creativity. Not only did they fill the space physically through dynamic choreography, but they also filled it vocally with powerful, enthusiastic performances that resonated throughout the hall.

The show opened with an energetic performance of Want You Back by Solona May Ulett‑Jones and Charlotte Brookes. This number was a fantastic choice to kick things off, bursting with energy, movement, and bright staging. The pair delivered the song with confidence and charisma, immediately drawing the audience in. From that moment, it was clear we were in for a treat.

Following this strong opener, Rose Keetle, Chloe Sutton, and Hallie Clowes took to the stage with a beautifully delivered rendition of Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing. Their harmonies blended well, and each performer demonstrated impressive vocal control. It was lovely to see young performers handle such a well‑known song with maturity and musicality.

One of the standout qualities across the entire cast was their excellent technique particularly in vocal projection and choreography. Every performer showed a clear understanding of how to use their voice effectively, ensuring lyrics were heard clearly without strain. Their choreography was sharp, well‑rehearsed, and performed with enthusiasm, adding visual excitement to each number.

I was especially impressed by the young performers’ stagecraft. Their ability to enter and exit the stage swiftly and confidently kept the pace of the show flowing smoothly. Microphone technique can be a challenge for performers of any age, yet the cast handled it with professionalism, ensuring no vocals were lost and transitions remained seamless. These small but significant details demonstrated the level of training and care that had gone into preparing the show.

A major highlight of the evening was Holly Barlow‑Davenport’s stunning performance of Purple Rain. This number was a true standout for me. Holly delivered the song with emotional depth and vocal power, yet without ever resorting to shouting or forcing the sound. Her control, tone, and stage presence were exceptional, and the audience responded with well‑deserved admiration. It was one of those moments where the room fell quiet, fully absorbed in the performance.

Another strength of the production was the ensemble work. In group numbers, it was clear that the performers were listening to one another, blending their voices rather than competing for dominance. This level of musical awareness is impressive in young performers and made the group songs particularly enjoyable. The balance of voices allowed harmonies to shine and ensured that every performer contributed to the overall sound.

Of course, no celebration of pop legends would be complete without a nod to the Spice Girls, and BE Performing Arts delivered this with flair. The arrangement was creative, with different performers taking on each section of the medley. This constant rotation kept the number fresh and exciting, and it was clear that the cast were having a fantastic time on stage. The audience certainly joined in the fun, with many singing along to the iconic hits.

Throughout the afternoon, the production showcased not only the talent of the performers but also the thoughtful direction and choreography behind the scenes. The pacing of the show was well‑structured, offering a mix of upbeat numbers, emotional ballads, and ensemble pieces that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. Lighting and staging choices complemented the performances without overwhelming them, allowing the young cast to shine.

Overall, BE Performing Arts delivered a lively, polished, and thoroughly enjoyable tribute to the Legends of Pop. The combination of strong vocals, confident stagecraft, and energetic choreography made for a memorable evening. It was clear that a great deal of hard work, rehearsal, and passion had gone into the production, and the performers should be incredibly proud of what they achieved. The audience left with smiles on their faces and perhaps a few pop classics stuck in their heads.

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