Beyond the Canvas
Walton Theatre
Monday 5, Tuesday 6 October 2026
6-7pm

Young creatives at Walton Academy are preparing to take centre stage this October as they bring a year of artistic development to life in a two-night arts showcase.

The showcase marks the culmination of students’ work towards the Arts Award Gold, a Level 3 qualification which challenges young people to develop their artistic practice, explore new creative disciplines, and take an active role in planning and delivering an arts project. Now, Beyond the Canvas will give them the opportunity to share the highlights of their creativity with a live audience across two evenings spanning music, theatre, photography and visual arts.

Part 1, on Monday 5 October, will focus on music and performance, with Arts Award Gold students showcasing their work through a live performance with the band Oscar’s Room. The evening will also feature monologues, songs and dramatic scenes, alongside a student-created documentary which will be screened on both nights of the showcase.

Part 2, on Tuesday 6 October, will expand the showcase into photography and other creative work, with students exhibiting a range of visual work alongside a Warhammer-inspired project.

Live music will also be a major feature of the evening, with Walton Arts Award Gold student Jessica joined for her performance by accomplished young musicians from The King’s School, Grantham. The ensemble brings together musicians with experience from the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, Lincolnshire Youth Orchestra, Youth Brass 2000 and the Nottingham Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Jessica, 17, has been singing since the age of eight and has previously appeared in productions including Bugsy Malone and The Addams Family, as well as performing at cafés and school events. Beyond the Canvas will be her biggest event to date as a solo singer.

Jessica said: “Singing has always been a hobby and I am self-taught, so I am really excited to have the opportunity to show what I can do.”

Students have been supported throughout the project by Walton Academy arts coordinator and Arts Award supervisor Mr Adam Slepowronski and theatre technician and Arts Award supervisor Mr Leigh Bridge. Head of music Miss Millie Sheppard will also take to the stage, providing backing vocals.

Mr Slepowronski said: “One of the most exciting aspects of the Arts Award Gold programme is that it encourages young people to work as both artists and leaders, with an emphasis on creative collaboration. Being able to engage with young people from two schools, on a bespoke project has been an incredibly enriching and rewarding opportunity for all involved. The development of skills and confidence has been a joy to witness, and the students should all be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”

Both evenings are free to attend and open to everyone, but advance booking is required. Tickets for Part 1 and Part 2 should be booked separately through The Walton Theatre’s TicketSource page: https://www.ticketsource.com/walton-theatre