'IKIGAI'
Show 2025
Our annual school show at The Theatre Royal 2025
Show 2025
IKIGAI – A Celebration of Talent, Passion, and Pure Joy
What an unforgettable experience we all shared at IKIGAI, our most recent production.
Performed at the magnificent Theatre Royal Norwich – undoubtedly the best theatre in Norfolk – this show truly captured the heart and soul of everything ARTS stands for: creativity, dedication, and joyful expression through the performing arts.
From the very first curtain rise to the final applause, IKIGAI was a vibrant celebration of our students’ hard work and passion. Across ballet, tap, modern, disco, contemporary, commercial, musical theatre, and more, the children poured their energy into every step, every lyric, every line — and the results were nothing short of inspiring.
The atmosphere backstage was electric, and it was all made possible thanks to the tireless support of our backstage team, chaperones, and technical crew. The show ran with fluidity, pace, and excitement, keeping our audience completely engaged from beginning to end. Special thanks must go to our incredible technical team, whose dynamic staging and stunning video screen backdrops helped transport us into the very heart of every performance.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the families and friends who support our talented students every step of the way — and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Happy tears flowed freely from proud parents, staff, and the young performers themselves. Their joy was infectious, and their hard work and dedication shone through in every number.
From the amazing costumes to the eclectic and powerful variety of music, every moment of IKIGAI radiated professionalism and creativity. It’s a show we will all remember for a long time. And just when the audience thought they’d seen it all… a surprise twist! A brilliantly original finale introduction, courtesy of Andrew, introduced the crowd to his very own AI-generated “baby” version of himself. This hilarious and cleverly executed moment had both children and adults laughing in delight — the perfect way to close a show that celebrated life, growth, and purpose - IKIGAI.
We are beyond proud of our entire ARTS family. The dedication of the children, the commitment of our staff, and the support of our ARTS community made IKIGAI a production to treasure.
Scroll down to see just some of the stunning images from the show, and don’t miss the heartfelt testimonials from families, students, and audience members who were moved, entertained, and inspired.
IKIGAI wasn’t just a performance — it was an experience. A tribute to the power of young people’s dreams, nurtured through hard work, creativity, and love.
Thank you to everyone who helped bring it to life.
WHAT THE PEOPLE SAID
PARENT
I just wanted to send a message to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in the show. It was fabulous (as it always is!) and it’s such a wonderful opportunity you provide for all the children.
PARENT
A HUGE thank you for all of the hard work that went into the show. It was truly amazing!
Our daughter loved every minute of the experience and was tearful on the way home because it was all over!
You all create so many wonderful opportunities for the children and we are incredibly grateful.
PARENT
It was our daughter first ever show (she is only 3) and she had such a fantastic time performing her rainbow fish dance and watching both shows afterwards.
An amazing memory made for her as well as for my husband and I watching our little girl on stage.
PARENT
I just want to email and say thank you for organising such a brilliant show .
Watching our little girl walk out on such a big stage with such confidence and just loving every second was a feeling I can't explain.
I can only imagine the amount of hard work and endless hours went into the show and it showed. Well done to all involved.
Thank you again for the opportunity to be a part of it.
PARENTS
A special shout-out to everyone involved in teaching, choreographing, and supporting behind the scenes—it was a true team effort.
As our daughter enters her final year with ARTS, we’re reminded just how right that decision was all those years ago to place our trust in you. It’s been more than a dance journey—it’s been a community, a family, and a space for growth.
Waiting at the stage door last night, it was hard to tell who was more elated—the performers or the audience. And that, I think, is the mark of a truly great show.
Congratulations again.
PARENTS
It was amazing. The girls feel so lucky to be part of it and so do I. Congratulations and thank you to all of the teachers, staff and those who make it happen.
They smashed it! Another wonderful show, more special memories for them all xxxx
PARENT
I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for the incredible show at Norwich Theatre Royal. It was such a joy to watch all the performers shine—and especially our daughter.
She looked so happy and confident on stage, and behind the scenes she was just as calm and relaxed. It was beautiful to witness.
PARENT
Such an amazing team of teachers and chaperones!! Thank you all 🥰
Special shout out to the quick change team! Xx
Loved the ‘special guest’ 🤣
PARENT
Well done to Vickie, Andrew and the whole ARTs team for another amazing show. Everyone has said it already, and that’s because it’s true and is felt by all of us - but wow what a special experience to be a part of.
That show 🤩.
Those children 🥰. Just incredible.
Thank you to all of you too, who made the experience so smooth and so positive.
What a team. xx
PARENT
Definitely feeling the post-show blues today! 🥹
This was my first time chaperoning and I was so nervous, but I soon came to realise that I was part of a well-oiled machine that goes like clock-work! It was an absolute pleasure to be involved 🩷
Thank you to everyone, but special thanks to Gemma, Shabnam, Judy and Julia (2J) for coaching me through 😊
ARTS is the best family to be a part of 🥰
PARENT
Thank you to everyone at ARTS for a wonderful experience for all the children and me as a chaperone.
All the hard work from everyone is amazing, making the show look seamless from the audience.
My first time at the theatre and I learnt A LOT and we can’t wait to do it all again ⭐️❤️💪🏼. Xx
PARENT
What a show though! So much talent and from working in a school I know how much work these children have put into everything in the last few weeks, to finish their term with a show at that level and with that enthusiasm is just incredible! What an achievement for everyone! Big smiles all round! Xxxxx
PARENT
An absolutely incredible show. It was a pleasure to chaperone. Thank you to everyone involved - an awesome team. Just a fantastic opportunity for all at ARTS. X
PARENTS
It’s such a wonderful experience seeing the children grow in their performing and seeing how much they’ve come on from year to year. Thanks staff and chaperones and everyone in between for the unique opportunity you provide to our children. What a family to be a part of 😍
PARENT
My first time chaperoning and wow what an amazing team you all are! I am always blown away by the positivity and joy that everyone has at ARTS. The dancers pure passion and all the incredibly supportive and wonderful adults behind the scene.
ARTS is truly a special place and I feel so blessed, that the girls and I, have fallen upon it and be taken in! 🥰 Thank you!
CHAPERONE
What an incredible show and experience - again!
The children were amazing (on and off stage), an incredible team of staff and led by my favourite people who continue to inspire me. It’s always a joy for me to be back at arts in any capacity but it was an absolute pleasure to chaperone yesterday and I have to do a shout out to all of you too.
I have helped with many people’s shows over the years and I have never seen so many proactive, smiling and just plain awesome chaperones as Team ARTS. How lucky we are to be a part of this amazing family and community 🤍
CHAPERONE
Fantastic show, so much fun to watch and be part of behind the scenes. Especially seeing the performers so happy and proud of themselves ❤️
The children in Studio 3 were super organised, looked after each other and it was a pleasure chaperoning them all 😀
Big thank you to all the ARTS team who make this happen every time, my daughter loves her ARTS family Xx
PARENT
The best show yet!! They just get better and better every time!! Such an amazing day!
Thank you to the ARTS team for making this possible for so many children. xxx
PARENT
It was amazing. The girls feel so lucky to be part of it and so do I.
Congratulations and thank you to all of the teachers, staff and those who make it happen.
They smashed it! Another wonderful show, more special memories for them all xxxx
PARENT
A massive congratulations with yesterday's shows, it was truly spectacular.
What you and the Arts team do is remarkable and I can't even begin to imagine how much time and energy goes into producing such an amazing show. The choreography, music, costumes, staging were all amazing but most of all the dancing and the smiles, so many smiles and happy faces.
You all help make these wonderful memories that the children will carry through and retell during their lives. We absolutely loved it, I smiled, cried, cheered and clapped so loudly my voice is croaky and my face still aches today! Our daughter came home and said 'i've had the time of my life, it was amazing!'.
So, a very big thank you!
HAPPY MEMORIES
