KATS Awards - Music & Drama Students Celebrate Their Achievements

After the online event that was KATS 2020, it was wonderful to welcome a real live audience to the Kingswood Theatre on Saturday 12 June for KATS 2021 – the 18th annual Music and Drama awards ceremony celebrating Kingswood’s Artistically Talented Students.

As live performances have been few and far between in recent times, it was decided that this KATS should celebrate not just the events of the past year, but all the musical and dramatic contributions of the Year 13 pupils since they started in the Senior School back in 2014. So it was that a small audience of Year 13 students and staff gathered in the Theatre Quad for a drinks reception before they made their way into the Theatre - transformed for the evening into a glittering venue reminiscent of the best award ceremonies! A delicious meal was served after which the ceremony began, led by compère Mr Harding.

Entertainment was provided by Tomiwo singing ‘I can’t take my eyes off you’ and Ayo-Oluwa’s rendition of ‘True Colours’ which left not a dry eye in the house! During the evening we were also treated to a video of dramatic and musical memories from the last seven years as well as a very special compilation of personal messages of encouragement and support from an impressive variety of industry professionals including the Artistic Director of Wise Children – Emma Rice, the Artistic Director of Graeae Theatre – Jenny Sealey MBE, musician Rob Eckland, Lighting Designers including Malcom Rippeth and Paule Constable, and Peter Lord CBE – co founder of Aardman Animations.

The event ended with a brilliant firework display in front of the School where other members of the School community were able to enjoy the spectacle. My thanks goes to Mrs Nash and Mr Barton who would also like to thank everyone involved in putting the event together - including the catering team, Ms Smith, all the staff of the Drama and Music departments and, of course, Mr Francis and his amazing team of techies. Thanks to all those who were able to attend live, as well as those who watched via the live stream.

We hope to see lots more guests at KATS 2022!