Final-year students at the University of West London’s (UWL) London College of Music (LCM) took centre stage last month at LCM Fest, a four-day showcase held from 12 to 15 May 2025.
Taking place in the evening at UWL’s Lawrence Hall, LCM Fest celebrated original work by students from BA (Hons) Acting (Performance), Musical Theatre, and Contemporary Theatre and Performance courses.
The festival featured devised performances, film screenings, and script readings, marking the culmination of three years of creative and academic development.
Musical Theatre students presented original work inspired by personal interests, ranging from choreography and cabaret to full-scale musicals. Gillian Ford, course leader, said: “Each performance represented not only a culmination of the students’ training but also an opportunity to develop original work that they can continue to refine and perform beyond graduation.”
Ms Ford added: “The week felt like a true celebration of not only their work but also the connections they have made over their time at LCM.”
Acting (Performance) students created projects rooted in theoretical frameworks and chosen methodologies for their practice research assessment. Isla Hall, course leader, said: “I was very impressed with all the performances and delighted to see Level 4 and 5 students involved in the different projects, as well as Acting students in Musical Theatre work and vice versa.”
Student George Booker-Bayley said: “Making the film was so much fun and seeing it presented in front of not only my classmates but students on other courses was extremely gratifying.”
Mr Booker-Bayley added: “It was exciting to take part in other people’s projects and an opportunity to learn something new. It was emotional to watch everyone’s pieces knowing we were nearing the end of our studies, but hopeful for our future careers as creatives.”
Contemporary Theatre and Performance students, working with industry professional Sophie Swithinbank, produced a short film titled B.happi. Cathy Sloan, course leader, said: “The students were asked to create a piece of work about a social issue and chose to explore the dangers of internet activity that
exposes a vulnerable young person to buying illicit drugs online, leading to addiction and harm.”
 London College of Music (LCM) took centre stage last month at LCM Fest, a four-day showcase held from 12 to 15 May 2025.){kind=link}