Urdang students shine in spectacular Summer Showcase

Urdang at City, University of London welcomed audiences to its Summer Showcase at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre for a weekend of live musical performance.

The event saw first and second-year Professional Dance and Musical Theatre BA students exhibit highly developed abilities in dance, music and theatrics while also demonstrating their emotion, passion and commitment.

Split into four separate casts, more than 100 students performed a series of acts and renditions from famous musicals, including Moulin Rouge!, Motown the Musical and Wicked, as well as dramatising songs from popular artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar. Students prepared for the show in just six weeks, providing an immersive experience to their audiences and exhibiting a striking array of versatility.

David Blake, Director of Urdang, shared how the success of the show underlined the School’s status as a leader in performing arts, saying:

Urdang Summer Showcase was two days of highly energetic, committed, and passionate performances from our students.

"The synergised musical theatre with its array of dance styles and enormous talent was nothing short of excellent.

"Thank you and congratulations to all performing students and staff for their time and dedication in putting together the Summer Showcase. They have once again proved their capability to push limits and inspire audiences.

"The success of the Summer Showcase exemplifies our commitment to equipping pupils with the training and opportunities for a career in theatre, dance and performance.

The full schedule included the following acts:

Casts ‘A’ and ‘C’

What’s Inside?/Opening Up – Waitress the Musical

Dancing In The Street – Motown the Musical

Firework/Shut Up and Raise Your Glass – Moulin Rouge!

Faces – Madeaux

Dirty Laundry – The Witches of Eastwick

Step On Up – Ariana Grande

Cell Block Tango – Chicago

Gypsy – Lady Gaga

And You Don’t Even Know It – Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

We’ve Got Rhythm – George Gershwin

Skid Row (Downtown) – Little Shop of Horrors

They Don’t Mind – She Bangs

Casts ‘B’ and ‘D’

What Is This Feeling? – Wicked

Derniére Danse – India

Just Another Day In Hollywood – Chaplin

Sunday Sunshine – Sunday Service Choir

Freak Flag – Shrek the Musical

America Has a Problem – Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar

You Happened – The Prom

Never Tear Us Apart – INXS

You Learn – Jagged Little Pill

I’m Dying of Thirst – Kendrick Lamar

There Is a Fountain/It Don’t Make Sense – Parade

Glitterball – Donna Summers and Barbara Streisand

About Urdang at City, University of London

Urdang, previously known as Urdang Academy was acquired by City, University of London in 2022, as part of an ambitious new strategy to enhance and develop City’s reputation for music and its engagement with practice and the creative industries.

Urdang educates and trains students in Musical Theatre and Dance to become strong, disciplined, and confident performers. Boasting a modern outlook, dynamic atmosphere, and inspiring backdrop, Urdang is an energising and contemporary place to study.

Find out more about Urdang.

Read about the Professional Dance and Musical Theatre BA at Urdang, City, University of London.