Sunday 27 September 2026 marked a very special occasion for MEPA Academy as we proudly took part in the 35 Years in Motion Anniversary Show, celebrating an incredible 35 years of Mandy Ellen Performing Arts.
Held at the Central Theatre, the anniversary show brought together generations of performers, families, teachers, friends and supporters to celebrate the journey, achievements and lasting legacy of Mandy Ellen Performing Arts.
MEPA Academy Performs a Billy Elliot Medley
For this very special celebration, MEPA Academy took to the stage with an energetic and inspiring Billy Elliot medley, showcasing the incredible talent, commitment and versatility of our students.
The performance was choreographed by Tilly Cook, who herself performed in the UK Tour of Billy Elliot the Musical. Tilly brought her first-hand experience of the production to the choreography, creating a fantastic number that captured the spirit, energy and passion of Billy Elliot while giving our MEPA students the opportunity to shine.
Our performers embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and confidence, delivering a performance that was full of energy, character and powerful storytelling.
It was particularly special to see our students performing a piece connected to such an iconic British musical, under the creative direction of someone who had experienced the production professionally.
35 Years of Passion, Performance & Progress
For 35 years, Mandy Ellen Performing Arts has provided opportunities for children and young people to develop their skills in dance, drama and musical theatre, while building confidence, friendships and a lifelong love of performing.
The 35 Years in Motion celebration was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on that remarkable journey — from the early days of Mandy Ellen Performing Arts to the thriving performing arts community it is today.
MEPA Academy is incredibly proud to be part of that continuing story. Our students demonstrated exactly what performing arts is about: teamwork, commitment, creativity and the courage to step into the spotlight.
A Celebration to Remember
The atmosphere at Central Theatre was filled with excitement as performers from across the years came together to celebrate three and a half decades of memories and milestones.
Our Billy Elliot medley was a fantastic part of the celebrations, allowing MEPA Academy to showcase the dedication and talent of our students while celebrating a musical that continues to inspire young performers.
A huge well done to every MEPA Academy performer who took part. Your hard work, rehearsals and dedication truly paid off, and we were incredibly proud to see you performing on stage.
A special thank you goes to Tilly Cook for her brilliant choreography and for sharing her experience and expertise from her time in the UK Tour of Billy Elliot the Musical.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the teachers, choreographers, backstage teams, families and supporters who helped make the event such a success.
Here's to the Next Chapter!
Thirty-five years is a remarkable achievement, and 35 Years in Motion was a fitting celebration of everything that makes Mandy Ellen Performing Arts so special.
MEPA Academy was delighted to play its part in this memorable anniversary and to celebrate the past, present and future of performing arts alongside so many talented performers.
Congratulations to Mandy Ellen Performing Arts on 35 incredible years!
35 Years. Countless memories. One passion — performing.
Here's to the next chapter! ✨
Held at the Central Theatre, the anniversary show brought together generations of performers, families, teachers, friends and supporters to celebrate the journey, achievements and lasting legacy of Mandy Ellen Performing Arts.
MEPA Academy Performs a Billy Elliot Medley
For this very special celebration, MEPA Academy took to the stage with an energetic and inspiring Billy Elliot medley, showcasing the incredible talent, commitment and versatility of our students.
The performance was choreographed by Tilly Cook, who herself performed in the UK Tour of Billy Elliot the Musical. Tilly brought her first-hand experience of the production to the choreography, creating a fantastic number that captured the spirit, energy and passion of Billy Elliot while giving our MEPA students the opportunity to shine.
Our performers embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and confidence, delivering a performance that was full of energy, character and powerful storytelling.
It was particularly special to see our students performing a piece connected to such an iconic British musical, under the creative direction of someone who had experienced the production professionally.
35 Years of Passion, Performance & Progress
For 35 years, Mandy Ellen Performing Arts has provided opportunities for children and young people to develop their skills in dance, drama and musical theatre, while building confidence, friendships and a lifelong love of performing.
The 35 Years in Motion celebration was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on that remarkable journey — from the early days of Mandy Ellen Performing Arts to the thriving performing arts community it is today.
MEPA Academy is incredibly proud to be part of that continuing story. Our students demonstrated exactly what performing arts is about: teamwork, commitment, creativity and the courage to step into the spotlight.
A Celebration to Remember
The atmosphere at Central Theatre was filled with excitement as performers from across the years came together to celebrate three and a half decades of memories and milestones.
Our Billy Elliot medley was a fantastic part of the celebrations, allowing MEPA Academy to showcase the dedication and talent of our students while celebrating a musical that continues to inspire young performers.
A huge well done to every MEPA Academy performer who took part. Your hard work, rehearsals and dedication truly paid off, and we were incredibly proud to see you performing on stage.
A special thank you goes to Tilly Cook for her brilliant choreography and for sharing her experience and expertise from her time in the UK Tour of Billy Elliot the Musical.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the teachers, choreographers, backstage teams, families and supporters who helped make the event such a success.
Here's to the Next Chapter!
Thirty-five years is a remarkable achievement, and 35 Years in Motion was a fitting celebration of everything that makes Mandy Ellen Performing Arts so special.
MEPA Academy was delighted to play its part in this memorable anniversary and to celebrate the past, present and future of performing arts alongside so many talented performers.
Congratulations to Mandy Ellen Performing Arts on 35 incredible years!
35 Years. Countless memories. One passion — performing.
Here's to the next chapter! ✨