Story by Dani Oyeyinka

Two talented students from Stagecoach Performing Arts Shirley and Richmond, and a teacher from Stagecoach Performing Arts Loughton, have joined the 2023 company of the critically acclaimed musical of 'The King And I' which is currently on a smash hit tour across the UK.

Jason Yang-Westland, who teaches at Stagecoach Loughton, will be a part of the ensemble, while Stagecoach Performing Arts Students Caitlin Lau, aged 10 and eight-year-old Cody Concha, will feature as Royal Children in The Tony Award-winning production, which is lighting up theatres nationwide across the UK and Ireland. The young talented stars will feature in a world-class cast led by Television and Broadway stars Helen George (from the hit BBC television series 'Call the Midwife') and Darren Lee (US actor most famous for roles in 'Chicago' and 'Hackers').

This gloriously lavish production has been brought to the stage by an internationally renowned creative team under Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher (South Pacific'/My Fair Lady/To Kill a Mockingbird), and will feature a world-class company of talented performers and a full-scale orchestra.

The performing arts students, Caitlin Lau and Cody Concha let their skills and confidence shine through their learning at Stagecoach, giving them both the platform to go after their dreams and tread the boards in this nationwide spectacle.

Having attended Stagecoach Shirley since January 2022, Cody's family are very much excited and proud of the eight-year-old being a part of a multi-award-winning production. 

Young student Caitlin, aged 10, who has attended Stagecoach Richmond for five years, made the most of the nerve-wracking yet fun experience during auditions and rehearsals, as she was given the task of learning songs and short dance pieces to practise and see how quickly she could pick things up.

Alongside them, Jason brings his wealth of experience and love for the arts to his own role as an educator to the next generation of stars. No stranger to the stage, Jason has been a part in a variety of worldwide, Australian and New Zealand based productions, from classic musical hits such as 'West Side Story', 'Mary Poppins' and 'Grease'. Getting his start from the Melbourne City Ballet, Jason has also trained and performed in world-famous showings of 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', to name a few.

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Stagecoach Loughton Teacher, Jason Wang-Westland, said:

"I am so excited to be a part of this beautiful production of The King & I. The score & choreography are a joy & honour to perform every night."

Speaking on Cody's involvement, Stagecoach Shirley Principal, Kim Findlay, said:

"We are very proud of Cody and so pleased he is having such a wonderful opportunity to experience what life is like as a professional performer working as part of a touring company."

Caitlin's Principal at Stagecoach Richmond, Jo van der Westhuysen, also added:

"We are so proud of Catlin's achievement and were absolutely thrilled when she got the part in The King and I. Caitlin has an acute understanding of her craft and recognises the importance of developing her singing technique in order to make the most of her natural gift. She works so hard in her Stagecoach classes and her commitment has paid off in spades!"

For more information about Stagecoach Richmond, go to https://www.stagecoach.co.uk/richmond or call 020 8332 6741.