Belfast School of Performing Arts

Northern Ireland's Leading Theatre School For 3-19 Year Olds

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BSPA Alumnus Reuben Browne Joins the Cast of Heathers: The Musical

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Everyone at BSPA is delighted to celebrate the continued success of former student Reuben Browne, who has secured roles in two major musical theatre productions.

A former Belfast AM pupil, Reuben recently made his professional debut touring Asia in the stage production of School of Rock, where he took on the role of Alternate Dewey Finn – an incredible achievement and an exciting start to his professional career!

Continuing that success, Reuben has now been cast in Heathers: The Musical, which returns to London this summer for a limited run at Arts at Marble Arch, the capital’s newest theatre venue. Reuben will take on the roles of Kurt’s Dad, Principal Gowan and Veronica’s Dad in the much-loved production.

Based on the cult classic film, Heathers has become one of the most popular contemporary musicals and earned a devoted fanbase around the world.

Everyone at BSPA is incredibly proud to see Reuben continuing to build such an exciting career in musical theatre. Congratulations, Reuben – you’re absolutely smashing it! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what comes next.

BSPA Alumna Olivia Jones Makes Professional Debut in Death Note: The Musical

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Everyone at BSPA is delighted to celebrate the success of former student Olivia Jones, who is set to make her professional debut in the world premiere production of Death Note: The Musical at London’s iconic Barbican Theatre.

Based on the hugely popular Japanese manga series by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, Death Note follows a student who discovers a mysterious notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written inside it.

First produced in Japan in 2015, the musical has since enjoyed successful productions across Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, building a devoted fanbase around the world. This new production will run for a limited season at the Barbican from 30 July until 12 September 2026.

Making a professional debut in a major international production is a fantastic achievement, and we couldn’t be prouder of Olivia. Watching former students take the next step in their performing arts careers is always incredibly special, and Olivia’s success is a wonderful inspiration for our current pupils!

Congratulations, Olivia, from everyone here at BSPA. We are so proud of you and excited to see you take to the stage at the Barbican!

BSPA Alumna Makes West End Debut as Cosette in Les Misérables

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BSPA alumna Lucia McLaughlin has been cast as the new Cosette in Les Misérables on London’s West End.

From 6 July, Lucia will take to the stage at the world-famous Sondheim Theatre, joining the cast of one of the most successful and beloved musicals of all time. An incredible achievement, everyone here at BSPA is immensely proud of Lucia and how her hard work and dedication has paid off.

Les Misérables remains one of the most iconic productions in theatre history. Now in its 41st year in London’s West End, the musical has been performed in hundreds of cities worldwide and has won more than 275 major awards, captivating audiences across generations.

Lucia, soak up every moment – we have no doubt this is just the beginning for you. Congratulations from everyone here at BSPA, will be cheering you on every step of the way!

Les Miserables cast, including Lucia as Cosette.

BSPA Pupil David McKenna Cast in BBC’s Lord of the Flies and Greta Gerwig’s Narnia

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Everyone at BSPA is incredibly proud to celebrate the success of our very own Lisburn AM pupil, David McKenna, who has landed roles in two major screen productions!

13-year-old David first landed the role of Piggy (Nicky) in the BBC’s adaptation of William Golding’s classic novel, The Lord of the Flies, a story that follows a group of boys trying to survive on a deserted island. The series was also picked up by Netflix for audiences in the United States!

David’s outstanding performance earned widespread praise and a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Limited or Anthology Series at the 2026 Gotham Television Awards. He also won a Wavelength Award alongside director Jack Thorne in recognition of the production’s fresh interpretation of the story.

David’s journey to the screen began with an open casting call while on holiday with his family. What started as a self-tape recorded in Tenerife soon led to callbacks, rehearsals in London and eventually months of filming in the rainforests of Malaysia.

Speaking about the experience, David described it as “mental” – from filming in intense heat and tropical storms to staying in a jungle hotel surrounded by monkeys and lizards. Despite the challenges, it was an adventure he’ll never forget.

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, David has also been cast as Digory Kirke in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming adaptation of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, where he will appear alongside acclaimed actors Meryl Streep and Daniel Craig.

Watching former students achieve their dreams is always special for us. David’s dedication, talent and hard work have taken him from BSPA classes to major international productions, and he serves as a fantastic example of what young performers can achieve when passion meets opportunity.

Here at BSPA, we are committed to helping young people develop confidence, creativity and performance skills in a supportive environment. Congratulations, David – we are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what comes next!

David McKenna with BSPA staff.

BSPA Senior Summer Project 2026 announced!

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🎭 Senior Summer Project 2026 – “Hadestown” 🎶

We are so excited about our Senior Summer Project, Hadestown, and the amazing response so far!

This intriguing and beautiful folk opera — currently storming the West End — delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience.

Following two intertwining love stories – that of young dreamers Orpheus & Eurydice, and immortal lovers Hades & Persephone – Hadestown takes audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.

Inspired by classic American folk and New Orleans jazz, Anaïs Mitchell’s beguiling sung-through musical pits industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love.

Directed by Peter Corry, who will once again bring his unique vision and creativity, this promises to be another unforgettable BSPA project. We can’t wait!

📅 Dates: 30th July – 22nd August

👥 Ages: 14–19 years

📍 Performances: The MAC Theatre, Belfast

🎟️ Book your audition slot now 👉https://forms.gle/1EkGwboLw5UWSsqo9

BSPA Junior Summer Project 2026 announced!

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We are thrilled to announce Roald Dahl’s Matilda JR will be our Junior Summer Project for 2026

📅 Dates: 27th July – 13th August

👧 Ages: 8 – 16 years

Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life – and the children she inspires – will have audiences cheering for the “revolting children” as they teach the grown-ups a lesson!

Directed by Eimear Burns, this project is already filling fast! ✨

For our Junior Project, everyone who wishes to take part is welcome — there are no auditions for entry. Once your participation fee is paid, your child’s place is confirmed. Auditions for roles will take place later for confirmed participants.

🔗 Find out more and register here: https://forms.gle/ZJ5w7UoWgPAmt6Pv6