MAPA Summer Showcase 2025

Last Saturday, we were thrilled to open our doors to parents, friends and families for our end-of-term Summer Showcase—and what an unforgettable day it was! The atmosphere was electric from start to finish, as each group took to the stage with pride, energy and incredible talent. This event was a true celebration of all the hard work our students have put in across the term, showcasing a mix of musical theatre excerpts, abridged productions and choreographed routines that reflected their learning, creativity, and confidence.

Our Little Academies were the first to perform—and they certainly stole the show! For many of our youngest students, aged just 3 to 5 years old, this was their very first time performing on stage in front of an audience. But you wouldn’t have known it. Their confidence, enthusiasm and joy radiated from the stage as they sang songs from Wicked and performed a vibrant medley of songs, dances and dialogue from Disney’s Moana. Watching them bring the story to life with such commitment and charm was genuinely heart-warming—it was hard to believe that they were our youngest performers!

Next up, our Infant Academy transported the audience to the high seas with a pirate-themed performance bursting with energy and character. Their show included a swashbuckling dance to He’s a Pirate from Pirates of the Caribbean, and an upbeat rendition of Treasure by Bruno Mars. The confidence in their voices, the rhythm in their feet, and the sheer joy on their faces had the whole auditorium smiling along.

Waiting patiently in the wings, our Junior Academy then made a splash as they brought the magical world of The Little Mermaid to life on stage. Their abridged musical performance included timeless classics such as Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl and Poor Unfortunate Souls. With expressive storytelling, confident vocal delivery and carefully rehearsed choreography, their under-the-sea adventure was a real crowd-pleaser.

Making a sensational debut was our Inter Academy—our newest age group—who wowed the audience with their abridged version of Broadway’s SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical. Their fast-paced, energetic performance was full of colour and personality, with standout numbers like Bikini Bottom Boogie and Super Sea Star Savior that had the audience cheering. For a group so new to the stage, their commitment and unity were truly impressive.

Our Chatham Infant and Junior Academies lit up the stage with a delightful double act of musical theatre favourites, performing scenes and songs from the beloved classic Annie and the ever-popular High School Musical. The younger students charmed the audience with their heartfelt rendition of It’s a Hard Knock Life and Tomorrow, capturing both the grit and optimism of Annie’s story with impressive confidence and characterisation. Their stage presence and timing were spot on, making it easy to forget their age!

The energy then shifted as the Junior Academy burst onto the stage with vibrant scenes from High School Musical, complete with dynamic choreography and catchy tunes! The group brought all the youthful energy, team spirit and fun that the show is known for, and their enthusiasm was infectious. From the slick dance moves to the expressive performances, the Chatham Academies truly brought these musical favourites to life, and the audience loved every moment.

Then, our brilliant Senior Academy took centre stage with a moving and mature set of performances that highlighted the depth of their training and experience. From the jazzy and iconic Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat (Guys and Dolls), to the heartfelt Hear My Song (Songs for a New World), and the empowering Brand New You (13: The Musical), they showcased a real range of styles and emotions. One of the evening’s highlights was a beautifully performed trio of I Know It’s Today from Shrek the Musical—a perfect example of storytelling through song.

The entire show was bookended with two high-energy ensemble numbers that brought together students from both our Chatham and Rainham Academies. The opening number, Shut Up and Dance, set the tone for an uplifting and joyful afternoon, while the finale—All for One from High School Musical 2—brought the house down and sent everyone home with a huge smile on their face.

We are so incredibly proud of every single student who took part in the showcase. What they delivered on stage was not only entertaining—it was magical. At MAPA, we believe that consistency is key to progress, and our students prove this week in and week out through their dedication to their classes. Whether they attend our Chatham Academy on Wednesday evenings (5–8pm) or our Rainham Academy on Saturday mornings at The Howard School (10am–1pm), their commitment is evident in everything they do.

Finally, we’d like to thank our amazing team of teachers, our supportive families, and our wider MAPA community for helping to make this event such a success. We can’t wait to see what our students achieve next!