More than 500 children will be gracing the stage at Swansea’s Grand Theatre this month in one of Wales’ largest showcases for young performers.

Over 15 schools, clubs and groups will be uniting under one roof in a unique production illustrating the versatility of young talent from the area.

It is all part of an initiative by the Up Next team, run by Jermin Productions, and the South Wales Evening Post to find the most exciting, up and coming performers.

When is it on?

Friday, July 20.

What is the theme?

This production has been given a Hollywood makeover with a touch of the Oscars. It will be time to reel in the talent for some movie magic as the audience is treated to spectacular routines and songs from your favourite films and soundtracks.

It will be a chance to walk the red carpet and applaud the stars of tomorrow in Up Next At The Movies.

What is Up Next?

Hazel Johnson School of Dance

Up Next was established in April, 2017, when the team at Jermin Productions and the South Wales Evening Post launched a nationwide campaign to find the most exciting, up and coming performers with the aim of uniting them under one roof in a mass celebration of Wales and its younger generation.

"Each year the performing arts industry is becoming increasingly difficult to crack," said Up Next spokeswoman Lucesca Walters. "Over the country there are thousands of young performers waiting for their big break and an opportunity to shine.

"Therefore, the Up Next creative team and South Wales Evening Post created a local platform to help give young performers a voice and an opportunity to showcase their ability and talent."

Two successful productions have already been held, and now a third one is on the horizon, with the Grand Theatre providing the largest platform to date.

Connie Dickerson
Olivia’s School of Rhythmic Gymnastics

It will be special

For one night only schools and groups which usually compete against each other will unite to celebrate each others' talents and achievements.

Luke Jones
Synergy Dance Collective

“It’s a fantastic atmosphere and each school and group are so supportive of each other,” said Lucesca. “Students these days are so used to competing against other schools and teams, so this gives us an opportunity to create friendships and bonds between the extremely successful schools across Wales and create one united cast in this unique showcase.

"The support for this production is unbelievable and each student, teacher and parent contributes to making an exciting, professional production which raises an enormous amount of money for local and national charities.”

Good causes will benefit

Rachael Smith School of Dance

Up Next At The Movies will support this summer' three charity partners, who will all benefit from the proceeds and donations made at the live performance.

They are Maggie's Swansea, which runs a cancer care centre at Singleton Hospital, Cancer Research Wales and Cancer Research UK.

Maggie’s will partner up with the Up Next Creative team for the third time within the last 12 months and so has already experienced the support, awareness and donations that the youth project can raise.

Fundraising manager Lucia Osmond, said:"Jermin Productions has supported Maggie’s with various fundraising initiatives over the last few years, so we are excited to be a chosen charity partner of this new show, which will make a huge difference locally. We wish the team lots of luck.”

Exciting times for talented youngsters

Pop Stars Dance

With just one month to go, all of the 2018 performers are busy tweaking their costumes, perfecting their technique and adding the final touches to their blockbuster-themed performance pieces.

Some of the participants include returning groups, such as The Raie Copp Academy, The Rachael Smith School of Dance and Joan Williams Stage School.

Its principal Joan Williams is delighted to have been on board from the beginning.

“We were absolutely thrilled that Joan Williams Stage School was invited to take part in the inaugural Up Next showcase in April, 2017," she said. "It was wonderful to see so much talent from the local area coming together under one roof.”

The production proved a huge hit with parents, friends and local audience members who were either supporting a performer or left the performance wanting to join one of the many talented schools featured during the evening.

The 2018 line up includes solo singers, gymnasts and musical theatre groups, hip hop dancers, cheerleaders and a variety of South Wales Dance Schools

Ella Thomas

Taking the stage will be Rachael Smith School of Dance, Raie Copp Academy, Dani Dee School of Dance, Olivia’s School of Rhythmic Gymnastics, Synergy Dance Collective, Natalie Salter Dance Company, Shirley Rees School of Dance, Hazel Johnson School of Dance, Forge Drama, Swansea Falcons, Joan Williams Stage School, Mark Jermin Stage School, LJC Dance Company, Pop Stars Dance, Connie Dickerson, Luke Jones and Ella Thomas.

Get your tickets now

Dani Dee School of Dance

Click here or ring Swansea Grand Theatre on 01792 475715.