Local performing arts school joined others worldwide to break the record for the largest number of simultaneous performances of one show.

Stagecoach Performing Arts Malta has helped set a new Guinness World Record by participating in a global Stagecoach schools performance event.

Joining thousands of students from some 73 Stagecoach schools in the UK, Germany, Canada and around the world, Stagecoach Malta performed Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Junior last summer at the Birmingham Symphony Hall in the UK.

In the internationally choreographed event, all 73 schools’ performances of the same show took place simultaneously on July 1, 2018 from 6pm.

Now that the event has been fully verified by independent adjudicators, Stagecoach Malta has learned that the attempt was successful, thus securing a new Guinness World Record for the largest number of simultaneous performances of one show.

“The students are thrilled to receive this news, given the work and preparation that went into masterminding this international event,” said Edward Mercieca, principal of Stagecoach Malta. “We believe events like these truly encapsulate the Stagecoach ethos of ‘creative courage for life’, and the success of Stagecoach Malta, and of the wider network, is something the students can be proud of for years to come.” Smashing Stagecoach’s previous record of 66 performances of Glad Rags in 2008, which marked the school’s 20th anniversary, this time the new Guinness World Record attempt was timed to coincide with another cause for celebration – Stagecoach’s 30th anniversary.

The children in Birmingham with, from left, Tonella Muscat, Antonella Mifsud and Marika Mercieca.

Founded in 1988, Stagecoach inspires children through singing, dancing and acting classes, while aiming to make a difference in the children’s lives. Notable international alumni include Emma Watson, Jamie Bell, Tom Fletcher and Danny Mac.

Stagecoach commemorated its 30 years of success with both the world-record attempt, as well as a year-long calendar of events including tea parties and a charity gala in aid of YoungMinds, the UK’s leading charity championing the well-being and mental health of young people.

As part of the Stagecoach network of more than 1,800 extra-curricular performing arts schools worldwide, Stagecoach Performing Arts Malta offers classes for children aged four to 18, with many local alumni pursuing professional performance careers and taking on roles in international feature films and theatre productions.

www.stagecoach.com.mt