Teenager Emily Gravenstede loves to perform, and she recently took to the West End stage for a show. In her own words, the young phighter – who was diagnosed with PH as a baby – shares the special experience…

On Sunday 16th November, I travelled to London with a group of young people from Stagecoach Performing Arts, Newbury. We were there to perform alongside other Stagecoach Schools from around the country. Our piece was from the musical ‘The Great Gatsby’. 

We arrived late morning and headed into the Shaftsbury Theatre. First, we got to watch some of the other groups on stage block their pieces, so that they worked with the space available. After a short lunch break, I had to and get my mic fitted – I was one of six people in my school to be given a mic because I had a solo.  

We then got a chance to block our piece, and last-minute adjustments were made. We then sat in the balcony of the theatre and watched the dress run for the first half of the show. Next, we had to go to our changing room and put our costumes on and do hair and make-up, before it was the dress run for the second half, and we got to experience performing on the stage for the first time. 

It was brilliant to hear the cheers from other Stagecoach students during our performance. The show started at 7pm and we were able to watch the first half from the back of the theatre. I was really excited as I waited for our piece to begin, our costumes were amazing, and we had worked hard to create a brilliant performance. 

The experience did not disappoint. It was thrilling to dance and sing on a West End stage, with professional sound and lighting and a full audience.  We didn’t get back home until about midnight, but it was very worth it!