More than a week on, the joy and confidence shown by performers of all ages at West London Performing Arts Academy’s (WLPA) Summer Showcase on 11 July 2026 still resonates, from its youngest children to teenagers and young adults.
I have known about this creative and passionate organisation whose vision is “Creating a future without barriers”: for several years and supported them where I could – though they are doing amazingly well for themselves.
West London Performing Arts Academy, a small local charity based at ECC in Northfields, state on their website “provides an enriched, inclusive learning environment, helping students of all ages to believe in themselves and their own ability, whilst working on confidence building and self-esteem”. At the performance on Saturday there were bucket loads of evidence of their success in achieving this aim. This should be widely known and celebrated.
Many people will have watched the series The Assembly initially on BBC One then moving to ITV for 2 series with a series 3 in the offing. A series where autistic, neurodiverse and learning-disabled young people and adults interview people in the public eye; actors, singers, politicians, commentators and more.
As part of these well researched interviews, favourite poems, dramas or song are preformed often bringing a tear to the interviewees’ eyes. The Assembly’s catch phase – is ‘No subject is out of bounds, no subject is off the table, and all might happen’ And it does.
However, many may not know that many of the incredible cast are from Ealing or attend the West London Performing Arts Academy in Ealing. Many were on stage in Ealing again showing their talents last Saturday, in song, dance and theatre, a smaller stage than last year when the Assembly singers performed “Movin’ On Up” at the 30th National Television Awards on 10 September 2025 at The O2 Arena
Having seen the talent and abilities of all those performing in their 2024 Showcase and then seeing many of them on national television, and again at this year’s Summer Showcase, the huge increase in their confidence in their talent and abilities was so apparent – and so life affirming to see. This confidence leading the way for the younger members of the Academy too.
Providing all children and young people opportunities and the freedom to express themselves brings great rewards to them and I am sure to their families, but also to the community and their audiences too.
WLPA offer performing arts classes every Saturday during term time for children and young people and a Post 16 College during the week for young people looking for a more bespoke approach to education. Despite their success and the high profile of their students and performers West London Performing Arts Academy, they are a small charity – so any support that can be provided will be welcome.
They have a winning approach one the local community and local business I hope will want to back. I will continue to promote the great work they do in my role as a councillor.
Councillor Clare Welsby is group leader of Ealing Green Party and a councillor for Hanwell Broadway ward.
 Summer Showcase on 11 July 2026 still resonates, from its youngest children to teenagers and young adults.){kind=link}