by Zaria Jankelowitz-Gelvan
From shining vocals to shinier costumes, if there is one thing Hurtwood does well, its show-stopping performances. This year’s Pop Concert was no exception. Doug Quinn, Nick Larkin, Dave Parsons and Lottie Davis have once again outdone themselves in creating what is not just, comically, “the most expensive karaoke in Surrey”, but a demonstration of the immeasurable talent, work ethic, and skill at Hurtwood House. Featuring classics such as “Long Train Running”, and the recent winner of the Grammys, “Cowboy Carter”, the students of Hurtwood have earned their standing ovation.
Put together in a matter of weeks, the glitzy 28-song set list is a highlight of the Hurtwood Calendar. As soon as the house lights dimmed and Zahara’s illustrious vocals started on “it’s close to midnight...”, the audience knew they were in for 2 hours of pure enjoyment. Hosted by the eloquent yet entertaining James Gaffney, the show was speckled with amusing comments and intriguing pub-night factoids. One could not help but fall into the sultry style of Magdalena’s “Black Velvet” or bop their heads along to Miah’s rendition of “Beautiful”.
As the show journeyed from Akira’s mesmerizing vocals (we were all saying “hypothetically yes”) to Sophie’s appropriately colourful re-born hit, “Murder on The Dancefloor”, the audience was in awe of the professional lighting, costume, and sound. In yet another work of artistry by costume designer, Elizabeth Poulter, the dance cast had a versatile and captivating range of floaty dresses and glamorous outfits. These elegantly matched the outstanding work of choreographer Lottie Davis as she (and her team of dance teachers, choreographers, and captains) once again out did themselves in dynamic dance routines. As per, the lighting by Guy Davey and set by Alastair Coulton was phenomenal, as was the expertise of Dave Parsons and the Much Tech team. Hurtwood is known for their professional level of production, but this year’s concert went above and beyond, to what one audience member described as “absolutely unreal”.
What is perhaps most impressive however is the level of versatility and energy of the young performers. On top of their A-levels, many students were involved in solos, dance numbers, and backing vocals. Freya Davies stole the show with her powerful cover of the classic anthem “It’s Raining Men”, complete with a costume change and all. While Ella Keller’s duet with Harvey Jelley to Daantje’s “Stop” had the audience in tears before the Act 1 Finale. Fortunately, the full company Act 1 Finale of “We Built This City” had everyone up on their feet and dancing into the interval. It would not be long before they were once again filled with the cathartic tone of “Proud” by Millie Milne and her gospel-esque backing vocalists.
The list of exceptional performances throughout the night goes on for perhaps longer than the night itself. I could captivate you with descriptions of Martina’s riotous “Man, I Feel like A Woman” or Tia’s hypnotizing “Black and Gold”. However, it is perhaps better if you see it for yourself, a luxury accommodated to all of us by the Hurtwood Film Academy’s Live Stream of the production. There you can truly embrace the energy of Tana’s “Conga” or disco the night away to Natalia’s “On the Radio”.
Before you go and watch it all, I will leave you just as this sensational concert did, with a truly extraordinary performance and divine tonalities of Anya McCall. Singing “Writing’s on The Wall”, every breathe in the room was held as she expertly sang her final note and entranced everyone with her signature riffs. Anya was then joined by the companionship and might of the full company for one last number, “Blame it On the Boogie”, accompanied by smiles and claps from cast, company, and audience alike.
A huge congrats and gratitude to the entire cast and company of the Hurtwood Concert 2025.
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