‘Dance, Drama and Denise Van Outen’ – Gosfield School open J.W Turner Performing Arts Centre with electric ensemble

On Wednesday 3 May Gosfield School celebrated the grand opening of its J.W. Turner Performing Arts Centre, featuring a range of elegant performances and a ribbon-cutting ceremony by actress Denise Van Outen.

Gosfield School is an all-through co-educational day school in North Essex, welcoming pupils from as young as two years old in their nursery and educating through to 18 with their Sixth Form.

The event beamed with creativity as attendees were treated to a stunning performance from West End and Broadway star Kerry Ellis, as well as wonderful dance and drama renditions from the school’s incredibly talented students.

Kerry Ellis, best known for her role as Elphaba in the production of ‘Wicked’, wowed the crowd with her amazing vocals, while the young performers dazzled with their energy and enthusiasm.

The J.W. Turner Performing Arts Centre is a state-of-the-art facility which offers the dedicated space and specialist equipment for students to explore and develop their artistic talents.

The centre is home to a 200-seat theatre, dance and drama studios and music practice rooms. It’s an inspiring facility used by all children from 2 to 18, and with an excellent team of staff provides an introduction to the arts all the way through to university-level preparations.

Promising to be a source of empowerment for many students beyond the gates of Gosfield as well, local dignitaries Mayor Jackie Pell and Councillor Peter Schwier and representatives from local schools also attended to mark what will be the start and continuation of many partnerships designed to inspire students to reach their full potential.

Principal, Rod Jackson, spoke about the long tradition of the performing arts in Gosfield School and Denise Van Outen was impassioned as she echoed the importance of the arts in education and congratulated Gosfield School on their commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in their students.

Rod Jackson reflected on how the arts allow children to ‘express themselves’:

“We are thrilled to open the J.W. Turner Performing Arts Centre and provide our students with this exceptional facility to explore and develop their artistic passions,

“We believe that the arts play an important role in nurturing well-rounded individuals, and we are committed to providing our students with the tools and resources they need to excel in this area, and indeed all other areas of their education.

“Performing Arts allows children to express themselves and helps us to know children individually, thus nurturing their potential.”

Gosfield’s vision is ‘knowing every child, nurturing potential’, those values never stop beaming through the J.W. Turner Performing Arts Centre and the school’s wider grounds.

Gosfield School welcome community organisations to make use of this fantastic facility. Contact details for the school can be found here.