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Current students joined alumni and West End stars in a day of performances at the University of London.

By Katie Hoggan (Communications Officer (Corporate)), Published

Performing for students from across University of London’s federation member universities, Urdang students and staff joined West End stars in a vibrant celebration at Senate House.

The event was part of a funding programme developed by the University of London’s Federation Partnerships team and awarded by the Convocation Trust.

Urdang students shine in Senate House performances supported by the Convocation Trust

  • Three performers sing emotionally and loudly

    Students performed numbers from West End shows

  • Dancers leap in the air during a dance performance

    Performances led by around 75 of Urdang’s staff and students took place in MacMillan Hall

  • A woman sings in a black dress with a microphone

    Karlene Wray, cast of The Lion King, performed at the event

  • Performers wearing suits stare intently at hands as they hold them in the air

    The event was part of a funding programme developed by the University of London’s Federation Partnerships team

  • A person in a purple suit dances surrounded by performers in black suit

    Students performing to Hard Out Here by Raye

  • Students singing

    Urdang students and staff joined West End stars in a vibrant celebration at Senate House

Performances led by around 75 of Urdang’s staff and students took place in MacMillan Hall on Wednesday 2 October. The showcase of student talent at Urdang included an emotional musical theatre number from Dear Evan Hansen and a powerful dance piece soundtracked to Hard Out Here by Raye.

David Blake is the director of Urdang, part of the Department of Performing Arts at City St George’s, University of London. Commenting on Urdang and its performances which ran alongside the University of London Student Welcome Fair 2024, he said:

“Urdang stands as a beacon of inclusion and diversity in the performing arts sector. Its reputation of excellence is underpinned by the fact that 97 per cent of students receive agent representation when they graduate and our alumni are cast in 32 out of 35 West End shows.

Students showcased this excellence through a captivating array of vibrant performances that celebrated culture, diversity and the arts at Senate House, University of London. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Convocation Trust for generously funding this event and providing an invaluable opportunity for networking.

A tall, grey art-deco building
Urdang students and staff joined West End stars in a vibrant celebration at Senate House

Staff and students in the audience at Senate House enjoyed a moving performance from West End star Karlene Wray, cast of The Lion King. She highlighted the importance of diversity within the arts and said:

To realise your aspirations, it is essential to actively pursue them. The opening of the Senate House doors provided an opportunity for everyone to engage with the audience, comprised of students pursuing their dreams, as well as artists and staff members who are living theirs.

"The diverse cultures represented through presentations and performances allowed the audience to see reflections of themselves. I would like to thank David Blake and the entire Urdang team for their creative vision."

The programme of performances will include two more opportunities for institutions to showcase their talent and expertise. These will include performances from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and SOAS, University of London, supported by the Convocation Trust.

Izzie Powell, Federation Partnerships Manager at the University of London, said:

This project was developed to create new opportunities for the federation to come together. Thanks to the kind support of the Convocation Trust, we have been able to bring students and staff from across the 17 institutions to Senate House to enjoy performances led by their fellow students and colleagues.

“It’s been wonderful to be able to showcase the talent we have across the federation working closely with colleagues at the three institutions to bring these ideas to life. We look forward to the upcoming performances throughout the year and continuing to build new ways to celebrate our incredible partnerships.”

Find out more about Urdang’s BA Professional Dance and Musical Theatre.

Find out more about the prestigious University of London federation and its link to City St George’s.

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