West Side Story

Posted on: May 30th, 2026 by

About the show

CAPA return to the FUSE International stage with the electrifying West Side Story, a blistering collision of love, loyalty, and rivalry set to one of the most iconic scores in musical theatre history.

Razor-sharp choreography, soaring vocals, and raw emotional stakes bring the streets of New York alive as two gangs battle for territory and identity, and two young lovers dare to dream beyond the lines drawn around them. A bold, electrifying showcase marking CAPA’s return to the festival with their Pro-Team, and a celebration of young performers at the height of their craft.

About the company

CAPA is a vibrant performing arts training programme in Kingston upon Thames where young performers sharpen their craft in acting, singing, and dance, building confidence, discipline, and stage-ready professionalism. The Pro-Team is its elite performance company: of current students and Alumni. An ensemble of advanced students working at a near-industry level. They rehearse like a company, think like creatives, and perform with a polished, professional edge, bringing ambition, precision, and serious stage energy to every production.

The Ragged Child

Posted on: May 30th, 2026 by

About the show

The plight of the homeless is examined through the eyes of abandoned children in mid-nineteenth-century London.

Broadcast on the BBC in 1988, The Ragged Child became a flagship production and title for the UK's National Youth Music Theatre. 

The dire straits of the poor and destitute of 1850's London is mirrored in the tragic lives of siblings Joe & Annie Cooper. As they are fighting in the streets for survival and reprieve from the deadly cholera outbreak, Lord Shaftesbury is fighting in the House of Lords for the education of the ignorant, illiterate poor. As Lord Shaftesbury's quest has a successful outcome, the Coopers are not so lucky. They're the last of the unfortunate souls to slip through the fingers of necessary charity.

About the company

The National Youth Music Theatre offers workshops and performance opportunities in music theatre for young people on and off the stage, with outstanding pastoral care at the centre of everything.

Growl

Posted on: May 30th, 2026 by

About the show

Growl: The True Story of the Big Bad Wolf – a concert performance of this heart-warming family musical.

We all think we know the story of the Big Bad Wolf. How he’s mean and greedy, and likes blowing down the houses of innocent little pigs, and gobbling up grandmas just for the wicked fun of it. But that’s a fairy tale and the truth is a whole lot more surprising.

In this hilarious, action-packed new family musical, you’ll get to meet the real Wolf: the guardian of a beautiful forest and all the creatures who live there. When a smooth-talking Woodcutter and his gang of henchmen turn up with deforestation and redevelopment on their minds, the Wolf is the only one standing in their way. But once they’ve sown the seeds of doubt among his friends, the Wolf – and his woodland family – will be tested to breaking point, and even the gentlest of creatures will learn that there are times when you just have to be Big and Bad.

About the company

This performance brings together alumni from the National Youth Music Theatre with young performers from Serious Play Shanghai and Youth Theatre Kenya.

Honk!

Posted on: May 30th, 2026 by

About the show

An exciting, modern adaptation of the beloved fable – The Ugly Duckling – this award-winning musical is a heartwarming celebration of what makes us special.

Since it first hatched in 1993 Stiles & Drewe's musical Honk! has winged its way around the world in over 8000 productions and in many different languages. Winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, this celebration of being different is sure to inspire actors, singers and dancers to showcase their talents. Witty and hilarious, but also deeply moving, and with its memorable score, Honk! treats audiences to equal amounts of heart-warming laughter and tears.

Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother Ida's protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on adventure of self-discovery all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry cat. Along the way Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out being different is not a bad thing to be.

About the company

Thames Music Theatre is a youth Music Theatre company working within a charitable framework, established in 2023 by some of the most important and experienced leaders in youth Music Theatre in the UK.

TMT offers opportunities to young people in SW London and surrounding districts aged between 10 and 18 who are interested in creating and performing all forms of high-quality musical theatre – be they onstage performers or musicians or those interested in backstage or technical work. The board between them have very extensive experience in the field of training young people and youth music theatre, having been responsible for many productions all over the UK and abroad.

Indeed, Jeremy James Taylor in paritcular is almost solely to be thanked for the flourishing state of youth Music Theatre in the country over the last 50 years, in his capacity as its tireless promoter, visionary, creator, and as the founder and director of the National Youth Music Theatre itself for many decades! We work with external technical staff, directors and musicians of the highest calibre and experience to bring out the very best in the young people who work with us. Our staff have mentored many of the UKs top Musical Theatre performers, from their youth into their career, and have also worked with many of the country's leading performers of recent years in general: including such names as Idris Elba, Jamie Bell, Jonny Lee Miller, Ben Barnes, Jude Law, Sheridan Smith, Matt Lucas, Michael Jibson, Toby Jones, Hannah Spearritt, Roderick Williams, Ronnie Corbett, Ned Sherrin, Kit & the Widow, and many more. As well as our regular production work, TMT also works with local schools, delivering workshops and other creative sessions.

The Basement Door Battle of the Bands 2026

Posted on: May 30th, 2026 by

About the show

Get ready to celebrate the power of youth, community and creativity at the 2026 Battle of the Bands hosted by The Basement Door, a charity dedicated to empowering young people through live music, skills training and performance opportunities.

This exciting annual competition invites emerging young bands from across the region to take the stage, showcase their talent and compete for top honours, all in support of The Basement Door’s mission to nurture confidence, collaboration and real-world experience in a safe, supportive environment. With music as the driving force, the 2026 Battle of the Bands promises unforgettable performances, community spirit and a celebration of the next generation of musicians

About the company

The Basement Door is a charity which advances the education of young people, aged 13 to 22, by providing training and experience through live music events. Young people learn new skills, gain confidence and make connections, through The Basement Door community. The skills they develop whilst working with The Basement Door help them secure employment.

Dance Showcase

Posted on: May 30th, 2026 by

About the show

Experience an unforgettable evening of dance, showcasing extraordinary young talent across a wide range of styles – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
From Contemporary to K-Pop, Musical Theatre to Lyrical, Ballet to Tap – this vibrant showcase bringing together diverse styles in a true celebration of movement and creativity.

Join us for one special night as we shine a spotlight on both group routines from local dance schools and captivating solo pieces from independent performers.
See the future dance stars of tomorrow today!

About the companies

Siheung City Youth Foundation and K-SH-Y present… Awakened by the Passion of Youth: Five Movements of Korea

A 20-minute K-Culture performance presented in Kingston upon Thames by seven of Korea’s leading female dancers.
This work explores the spirit and energy of Korea through five interconnected movements — Seon, Han, Heung, Haeng, and Hanguk — each reflecting a distinct emotional and cultural rhythm of Korean identity.

Beginning with the quiet elegance and flowing aesthetics of Seon, the performance unfolds into Han, the deeply rooted emotion of longing and resilience carried within Korean culture. From there, it bursts into the vibrant energy of Heung, revealing the passionate and celebratory spirit often described as the heartbeat of the Korean people. The journey continues through Haeng — movement, expansion, and connection — expressing how contemporary K-Culture transcends borders through rhythm, performance, and collective energy.

Blending street dance, commercial choreography, and contemporary performance, the piece captures both the traditional sensibilities and modern dynamism of Korea, offering an immersive stage experience that introduces audiences to the emotional landscape of Korean culture today.

LSS

LSS will showcase the history of street dance, through different styles of dance within the street dance umbrella. They have an added surprise to wow the audience with their Acrobatic dancers taking the stage. The performance will consist of high energy, character and great dance moves to get the audience clapping and dancing.

Onyx School of Performing Arts

Onyx School of Performing Arts is an inclusive and nurturing performing arts school based in the heart of Kingston, offering structured triple-threat training in dance, acting, and singing for children aged 3–11. We offer a range of dance styles including ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop, alongside phonics booster sessions designed to support early literacy development for children aged 3–5.

As a registered exam centre for Trinity College London and I-PATH, we are proud to maintain a 100% pass rate, with all Ofqual-regulated exams achieving distinctions.

In addition to weekly classes, we offer exciting holiday camps and unforgettable birthday party experiences, creating opportunities for every child to build confidence, creativity, and a love for the performing arts.

Lucinda Walsh School of Dance

Lucinda Walsh School of Dance was established in February 2010 in Tolworth, Surrey. Examinations are taken under the syllabus of the International Dance Teachers Association. Previous performances include performing at the formula 1 Grand Prix sprint day on the Silverstone circuit, the London E-prix at the London ExCel and performing on the Videopolis stage, Disneyland Paris. Pupils regularly perform in pantomimes, amongst other amateur shows and take masterclasses with industry professionals to further their dance journey. Training available in: Acro, Ballet, Break, Cheer, Contemporary, Freestyle, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre and Tap.

Vital Signz Dance

Vital Signz Dance is a vibrant hip hop and street dance academy located in the heart of Kingston Upon Thames with a speciality in Hip Hop Theatre. Previous adaptations of beloved classics include Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Neverland, Twist, and Descendantz, along with the award-winning Wizards Tale.

Studio K

Studio K is a fun & friendly dance studio offering classes for kids and adults in Richmond in a variety of dance styles and levels. Experts in street dance styles with competitive teams for kids and teens.

Bharatham Fine Arts Academy

Bharatham is a newly established dance studio based on the high street of Tolworth. Usha Ragunathan dedicating her quality time to establish Indian classical dance to young generation. She is a post degree holder in dance and her experience span over 18 years. Her students has been performing in local Heritage events, charity shows and classical functions. This help her students motivation and the self-confidence with public performance. She is keen to help the community and the young minds through classical education.