Performing Arts Summer Term 2026 by Clifton College

Performing Arts Events Calendar

Summer Term 2026

Welcome to Performing Arts

Summer Term 2026

The Summer Term at Clifton College offers a wide variety of performing arts experiences, from the annual Junior and Senior Kadoorie Cup competitions, a selection of wonderful musical performances from our youngest stars in the Pre-Prep, a cross-College showcase of our talented students’ remarkable growth at the Tobacco Factory Theatres, as well as the highly anticipated Prep and Upper Commem performances.

Year 2 and 3 are putting on a swash-buckling musical adventure in their performance of Hoodwinked, while Year 8 will take you on a journey down the yellow brick road in their production of The Wiz, and our Year 9, 10 and 12 students will take you behind the cameras and into the golden age of broadcasting in their production of The 39 Steps. There are many more wonderful performances over the term and we look forward to seeing you at these events soon!

Junior Kadoorie Cup Competition

Friday 24th April, 5.30pm-7.00pm

Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ

The finest singers and instrumentalists of Years 9-11 compete in the first part of this annual event.

A most enjoyable concert with the added bonus of an adjudication from a visiting musical expert at the end - this year, Pamela Rudge, Head of Music & Singing at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Advanced Performance Platform - Elia J (HLH)

Tuesday 28th April, 6.30pm-7.30pm

The Crypt, located underneath the Clifton College Chapel

Departing Year 13 Drama Scholar, aspiring musical theatre aficionada, and veteran of the Redgrave Stage - roles including Bottom (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Barbara Castle (Made in Dagenham) and Captain Hook (Peter Pan) - Elia present a programme of her favourite songs and original compositions.

Open to students, staff, parents and OCs

Christ Church City Recital: Vera H, Maria K (piano trio)

CLIFTON COLLEGE

DRAMA DEPARTMENT

Drama Showcase - Echoes and Origins

SHOWCASE

ECHOES AND ORIGINS

Wednesday 29th April, 1.15pm-1.50pm

Christ Church with St Ewen, Broad Street, BS1 2EP

As part of this public recital series, Maria K and Vera H (Music Scholars) together with Dr Steven Kings perform Beethoven’s complete ‘Ghost’ Piano Trio at this beautiful 18th century church in the centre of Bristol.

Open to all, including the public

Wednesday 29th April, 7.00pm

Tobacco Factory Theatres, Rayleigh Road, Southville, BS3 1TF

29TH APRIL 2026

Clifton College presents Echoes and Origins, a showcase of creative evolution from junior and senior performers. This fearless collective explores the journey from borrowed inspirations to original storytelling through a diverse programme of monologues, duologues, and ensemble pieces, alongside show-stopping musical theatre. Join us to celebrate our students’ remarkable artistic growth.

STARRING STUDENTS FROM PRE-PREP, PREP AND THE UPPER SCHOOL

Open to all, including the public

Tickets can be booked via the Tobacco Factory Theatres website; www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Senior Kadoorie Cup Competition

Friday 1st May, 5.30pm-7.00pm

Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ

The second section of the annual competition for soloists (both vocal and instrumental) is for sixth-form musicians.

Always a highly enjoyable evening of high-quality music, with the benefit of some encouraging and informative words from a visiting adjudicator, this year, Samir Savant tenor and CEO of St George’s Bristol

Compline with Chamber Choir

Tuesday 5th May, 6.45pm-7.15pm

Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ

A reflective half-hour of prayer, medieval plainchant and a short anthem - in this ancient evening service.

Open to students, staff, parents and OCs

Open to students, staff and parents

Music in the Crypt

Thursday 7th May, 7.30pm-9.00pm

The Crypt, located underneath the Clifton College Chapel

The final crypt night of the year will see a wide variety of pop offerings from upper school students - expect soloists, bands, covers, new material… always a great night and the last for our leaving pupils!

Informal Concert

Tuesday 12th May, 4.00pm-5.15pm

Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE

Children from Years 4 to 8 of varying experience, perform to friends and family - expect a wide range of genres and instruments.

Open to students, staff and parents

Informal Concert

Tuesday 19th May, 4.15pm-5.00pm

Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ

Children from Years 2 and 3 of varying experience, perform to friends and family - expect a wide range of genres and instruments.

The 39 Steps

Tuesday 19th - Thursday 21st May, 7.00pm-9.00pm

Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE

Step behind the cameras and into the golden age of broadcasting with this year’s exhilarating production of The 39 Steps, performed by students from Years 9, 10 and 12. Set inside a bustling 1930s television film studio, this fast-paced adaptation transforms Hitchcock’s iconic thriller into a live, on-air spectacle where actors, crew and cameras collide in a whirlwind of comedy, suspense and creative chaos.

Open to students, staff and parents

Open to all, including the public

Prep Commem Concert

Friday 22nd May, 1.30pm-2.30pm

Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE

An opportunity for our ensembles to perform - String, Brass, Guitar, Wind Ensembles as well as Orchestra, Junior Choir and Pop Groups.

Commemoration Concert followed by Music in the Marquee

Friday 22nd May, 6.30pm-7.30pm

Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ

This Classical Spectacular will feature Concert Orchestra, Strings, and our sadly-departing sixth-form soloists in music from a wide range of music from Rimsky-Korsakov to ‘Mean Girls’. This is always a magical and emotional evening in a packed Chapel. Afterwards we move to the marquee for House Dance and top tunes from the Soul Band and Big Band; refreshments will be available.

Open to students, staff and parents

Open to ticket holders only

Pre-Prep Guitar concert

Thursday 4th June, 4.15pm-5.00pm

Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ

An exciting concert featuring our guitarists and Ukulele band. If you have a Year 1 child who is interested in learning the guitar next year then do come along!

Compline with Chamber Choir

Tuesday 9th June, 6.45pm-7.15pm

Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ

A reflective half-hour of prayer, medieval plainchant and a short anthem - in this ancient evening service.

Open to students, staff and parents

2N String assembly

Wednesday 10th June, 8.40am-9.00am

Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ

A chance for the Year 2 children to share the highlights of their String journey, be prepared for 20 minutes of high energy and fun!

Cross-College Guitar Night

Thursday 11th June, 6.00pm-7.30pm

Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE

A truly cross-college event - come along to hear guitaristsclassical, acoustic, electric and bass - from Year 2 to 6th form.

A lovely evening bringing musicians of all ages and levels together to enjoy playing their chosen pieces.

Open to students, staff and parents

Pre-Prep String Concert

Monday 15th June, 4.15pm-5.00pm

Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ

Come and listen to our violinists, cellists and our viola player perform their favourite pieces of music in our end of year extravaganza.

Year 3 Recorder Concert

Wednesday 17th June, 8.15am-8.40am

Pre-Prep Playground, Clifton BS8 3EZ

An early morning concert to wake you up and prepare you for the day ahead. Year 3 parents are invited to join us in the Pre-Prep playground for our annual early morning Recorder concert. Come and join Miss Temple and experience her musical magic alongside our enormous Recorder ensemble.

Open to students, staff and parents

Pre-Prep Concert

Wednesday 17th June, 8.40am-9.00am

Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ

A chance for the Year 2 children to share the highlights of their String journey, be prepared for 20 minutes of high energy and fun!

Wednesday 17th June, 4.15pm-5.00pm

Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ

This concert certainly has variety; drum, tongue drum, flutes, clarinets, and saxophones. Come and join us to find out more about these instruments and listen to our Pre-Prep experts.

Open to students, staff and parents

Pre-Prep Piano Recital

Thursday 18th June, 4.15pm-5.00pm

Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET

All our pianists will perform on the Grand Piano in the Upper school Recital Hall . A wonderful space for us to listen to our amazing Pre-Prep pianists.

The Wiz

Thursday 18th & Friday 19th June, 7.00 pm

Saturday 20th June, 6.30 pm

Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE

Come and see our Year 8s perform ‘The Wiz’. Embark on a journey down the Yellow Brick Road from Munchkinland to the Emerald City in this modern upbeat version of the famous story.

Open to students, staff and parents

Summer Serenade Concerto Concert

Friday 19th June, 5.30pm-7.00pm

Joseph Cooper Music School, Guthrie Road, BS8 3ET

An opportunity for soloists and chamber ensembles to show what they have been working on in the term.

Tuesday 23rd June, 5.15pm-6.15pm

All Saints Church, Pembroke Road, BS8 3ED

A wonderful summer’s evening begins at All Saint’s Church with a professional orchestra accompanying five of our top scholars in virtuosic concerto movements for violin, cello, piano and voice - from Chopin and Mendelssohn to Elgar, Glazunov and Gershwin.

Open to students, staff and parents

Open to all, including the public

Arts and Music Evening

Tuesday 23rd June, 6.30pm-8.00pm

Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE

The second part of the evening sees us move to the delightful Prep Hall for art and music with jazz, rock and pop numbers.

Wednesday 24th June, 12.15pm-1.15pm

Clifton College Chapel, accessible via Guthrie Road, BS8 3EZ

To celebrate the support of the Britton Trust and our Willcocks Organ Scholarship, we host a lunchtime concert featuring the whole range of organ pupils from Grade 1 to Diploma. The large-screen video will enable you to see the organists’ hands and feet in close-up detail at the console.

Open to students, staff, parents and OCs

Open to all, including the public Free tickets reservable by emailing jdrinkwater@cliftoncollege.com

Years 2 and 3 - Hoodwinked

A YEAR 2 & 3 PRODUCTION

Thursday 25th - Friday 26th June, 6.00pm-7.00pm

Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE

This swash-buckling, fun musical adventure will hopefully have you ‘booing’ and ‘hissing’ with gusto as you are wowed by the dramatics of Year 3 and Year 2. A show not to be missed!

St Stephen’s Church Recital: Vera H, Maria K (piano trio)

Monday 29th June, 1.10pm-2.00pm

St Stephen’s Church, 21 St Stephen’s St, Bristol BS1 1EQ

As part of this public recital series, Maria K and Vera H (Music Scholars) together with Dr Steven Kings perform Mendelssohn’s complete D minor Piano Trio at this beautiful 15th century church in the centre of Bristol.

Open to students, staff and parents

Open to all, including the public

Prep Scholars Concert

Tuesday 30th June, 6.00pm-7.45pm

Prep Hall, Clifton College, BS8 3HE

An evening dedicated to our most talented musicians from the Prep School.

Open to students, staff and parents

The perfect way to start a Friday morning with a lively sing. All families are welcome to attend for an uplifting and energising way to start the day with Mrs Gillam.

• 24th April

• 8th May

• 22nd May

• 5th June

• 12th June

• 19th June

• 26th June

Fridays during term time, 8.00am-8.25am

Pre-Prep Hall, Butcombe House, The Avenue, Clifton BS8 3EZ

Free to attend

Open to parents, pupils, and staff

Fun Friday Sing

Thursday House Recitals

Our early morning recital series is a wonderful way to start the day! Come and hear 20 minutes of music from a talented Upper School musician - could be any age or instrument, but they are always most enjoyable.

• 4th June

House Assembly Recital (OH):

Lancy S, Pippa H-H (voice, recorder)

• 11th June

House Assembly Recital (WT): Bella P, Daisy D, Emilia L (voice, sax, clarinet)

• 18th June

House Assembly Recital (HLH):

Nefeli S, Grace B, Siyona W, Elinor B (voice, flute, clarinet)

Thursdays during term time, 8.20am-8.40am

Free to attend

Open to parents and family of performers, pupils and staff

Scholarships

Music, Drama, Performing Arts

Music

The music scholarship aims to enable pupils to pursue music to as high a level as they wish. Some will look to study music beyond Clifton College and aim to go into the music profession, whereas for others it is a wonderful way to relax and achieve something of real value alongside their academic studies. Music scholars receive two free music lessons a week from specialists in their chosen instrument(s) and will have the opportunity to perform in orchestras, chamber ensembles and as soloists.

Previous Music Scholars have gone on to study music at Oxford, Cambridge, Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music and other conservatoires; others have been members of awardwinning close harmony groups and recorded their own albums.

Drama

This scholarship is for committed and imaginative young actors who demonstrate a passion for performance, whatever their level of experience. We welcome applications from students eager to grow as artists, collaborators, and storytellers. The programme develops skills in both individual and ensemble performance, with students engaging in a wide range of theatrical styles and techniques. Scholars take part in workshops with visiting professionals, attend theatre trips, and contribute to Clifton College’s rich and varied performance programme, from classical text to devised theatre and new writing. Previous drama scholars have gone on to join the National Youth Theatre as well as study at leading theatre conservatoires such as Central School of Speech and Drama, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

Performing Arts

Passionate young performers are encouraged to apply for a Performing Arts Scholarship, whatever their range of experience. This new scholarship recognises students with exceptional promise across the wider performing arts, particularly in musical theatre and dance. It is designed for those who thrive in expressive, physical, and musical performance, and who demonstrate a passion for storytelling through movement and song as well as spoken word. Depending on their area of specialism, scholars may be supported to develop skills in choreography, vocal technique, ensemble work, and characterisation, with opportunities to engage in specialist workshops, public performances, and interdisciplinary projects. The programme encourages versatility and creativity, preparing students for the dynamic demands of contemporary stage practice.

Find out more information at: www.cliftoncollege.com/pages/ landing-pages/scholarships-and -bursaries

Sir David Willcocks Organ Scholarship 16+

In 2012, Sir David Willcocks announced his generous commitment to a new sixth-form organ scholarship in his name at Clifton College. A partnership with Bristol Cathedral was established to augment the role, and the inaugural Willcocks Scholar was appointed in 2013. Holders since then have won organ scholarship places at several Oxbridge colleges as well as at Hereford Cathedral.

A 32-foot extension of the Pedal Ophicleide reed at Clifton College was installed in Autumn 2017, and a CD recorded by Regent Records of the College choirs with pupil organists and brass was recorded in 2018 to celebrate this addition.

This 16+ post is for a sixth-form entrant, running for two years. Candidates may also jointly apply for the 16+ academic scholarships. The successful candidate will receive support from the Sir David Willcocks Trust as well as the opportunity to apply for generous means-tested funding towards either a boarding or day pupil place, which could be as much as 100% of fees and free instrumental lessons.