After many years in the planning, Bridgwater College has opened the doors to the town’s newest performance space, The McMillan Theatre. Last week, crowds flocked to the theatre for its inaugural performance of Monty Python’s Spamalot which was presented by Level 3 Performing Arts students and supported by Level 3 Production Arts students who provided all the off stage technical services.

Named after former principal Fiona McMillan OBE, the Theatre signifies the importance of the arts in the College’s future. This multi-million pound theatre complete with 353 seated flexible auditorium space, and fully sprung dance studio, is providing opportunities for students from a range of courses and groups to have industry relevant work experience right on their doorstep. As the only theatre space of its size and type in the local area, it will also play host to professional and community performances.

Spamalot proved a great success and again highlighted Bridgwater College to be at the forefront of delivering top end performing arts curriculum with many of the cast having already secured places at prestigious institutions and performing arts schools. These include Laine Theatre Arts, Urdang Academy, Bird College of Dance and the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts, London.

The show was bursting with big dance numbers and witty one liners it was clear to see audience members enjoyed their evening through the infectious laughter and rapturous applause that filled the McMillan Theatre each night. Programme Manager, Rachel Williams said,

“The Level 3 BTEC Performing Arts course allows students to develop their skills in all three disciplines; acting, dance and singing in order to expand their versatility as performers. Spamalot has given the students an opportunity to enhance their study programmes through developing high level technical skills alongside contextual understanding of different performance genres. Working with such an iconic script gave rise to the students engrossing themselves in the comic timing and musical theatre nuances allowing them to build a unique interpretation of their characters and roles.

“Throughout this project the students have learnt and understood the importance of working alongside fellow performers who share a similar passion and drive for the performing arts. This is one of the main reasons why the first and second year students come together to work on their assessed Final Major Performance. The opportunity to work as a company on a fully fledged Tony Award winning musical, and in a new professional theatre, is an incredibly invaluable experience for both the performers and production arts students.”

If you would like more information about studying Performing Arts, Dance or Production Arts at Bridgwater College please contact our Information and Guidance team or the Creative Arts Department on 01278 441262.