Musical theatre students record vocals for new West End tour Allegra
Musical Theatre students at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) are set to have their voices heard across the UK after recording ensemble vocals for the West End touring production of the new musical comedy Allegra.
Thirteen BA (Hons) Musical Theatre students took part in an intensive recording session at Wycombe Swan Theatre. The group recorded extracts of four songs that will be used as crowd and ensemble vocals throughout the show’s UK tour.
The opportunity arose through course leader Joanne Roots' industry connections, giving students a chance to work directly with the production’s musical director. The session also featured a visit from the show’s director and choreographer Stephen Mear, a multi-Olivier Award winner known for his work on Mary Poppins and Hello, Dolly!
Joanne said the day gave the students a real taste of working at a professional level.
She said: “It gave our students a real taste of what it’s like to work in the industry. The atmosphere was really supportive, and they approached the session with a lot of enthusiasm and professionalism. It helped them understand the level of preparation and attention-to-detail that’s expected when you’re working professionally.”
She added that the atmosphere was supportive and focused, with students rising to the challenge.
“One of the standout moments was seeing the students work directly with established industry professionals and watching their confidence grow as the session went on,” she added.
Students also developed skills in rehearsal etiquette, musical direction and responding quickly to professional feedback.
Joanne said: “Experiences like this are so important because they bridge the gap between training and the industry. They help students build confidence, develop professional networks and understand the standards expected. It also allows them to apply the skills they are developing within their degree to a real professional context, which is invaluable preparation for future employment.”
The recorded vocals will be used throughout Allegra’s UK tour to support ensemble moments and build the atmosphere of key musical numbers.
Opportunities like this are central to the course’s approach, with further collaborations already underway, including work with TAS Management and Thomas Andrew Smith on upcoming student showcase performances.
Want to be part of real-world West End collaborations like this? Explore BA (Hons) Musical Theatre at Buckinghamshire New University.
The new musical Allegra, starring Dame Maureen Lipman, is currently touring the UK and now showing at Wycombe Swan Theatre in High Wycombe. You can find performance dates and ticket information here.