Press Releases

BYSD Students Shine in LAMDA Speech and Drama Examinations

Bishop’s Yard School of Dance and Performing Arts is celebrating an outstanding achievement as students across all age groups have earned exceptional results in their London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) exams. The recent exams saw every student achieve either a Merit or Distinction grade.

Drama Teacher, Kathryn Marper, expressed her pride in the students’ accomplishments: “These results reflect not only the wonderful talent of the students at BYSD & Performing Arts but also their hard work. It has been lovely to see the students’ grow in their confidence, acting ability and knowledge of theatre.”

The exams, which took place last term, were across two disciplines: Acting and Verse and Prose. These were at a range of levels from Introductory to Grade 6. Students from ages 7 – 16 were required to recite poems, act out scenes and even perform Shakespeare!

BYSD Founder and Owner, Marie Booth, is fond of the LAMDA syllabus: “LAMDA Exams are great for aspiring young actors. As they move up the grades, they are required to reflect on different aspects of character development. In the earlier grades, the focus is on how the character may be feeling and what is happening in the scene. Then, in the later grades, they are encouraged to do their own research on key acting practitioners such as Stanislavski and Brecht. It also exposes students to a wide range of plays from classics such as ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and ‘Twelfth Night’ to contemporary favourites such ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’ and ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’.”

Moving forward from the exam success of last term, BYSD Drama Students are currently preparing to take part in the Carlisle District Music and Drama Festival. Students will begin to work towards further LAMDA exams in the Autumn Term.

For any budding young performers looking to take part in drama lessons, BYSD & Performing Arts has some exciting events on the horizon.

On Monday 10^th February, there will be a free taster singing and drama session for children aged 3-5 years old. This free session will be filled with storytelling, singing and lots of fun!

If you would like to learn more information about these workshops or any other classes at BYSD, please email bysdance@btinternet.com or check out BYSD new website on www.bysdance.co.uk

A huge congratulations to all students for their fantastic exam results:

Group Introductory Stage Two

• Scarlett Wood (Distinction)
• Alice Pott (Distinction)
• Helena Bacik (Distinction)

Entry Level Verse and Prose

• James Benson (Merit)

Entry Level Acting

• Keira Hope (Distinction)
• Sophie Thompson (Distinction)
• Annie Coates (Distinction)
• Coraline Hill (Distinction)

Grade 3 Acting

• Alana Hope (Distinction)
• Grace Bainbridge (Distinction)

Grade 4 Acting

• Adam Marchant (Merit)
• Isobella Keenan (Merit)
• Arianna Mameli (Merit)

Grade 6 Acting

• Kate Wilson (Distinction)

People are still buzzing after witnessing the incredible talent on display at this year’s BYSD juniors Christmas Dance Show, ‘The Goblin Next Door’

The energy, creativity, and sheer joy that these young performers brought to the stage was absolutely heart-warming. From the twinkling costumes to their wonderful choreography, every moment was pure magic!

It’s so inspiring to see children embrace the spirit of Christmas while developing valuable skills that will last a lifetime.  Performing at a young age offers so many benefits — from building confidence and teamwork to enhancing discipline and creativity. It’s not just about the performance, it’s about the growth and development these children experience along the way!

BYSDs Christmas Show had singing, dancing and acting.  School Principal, Miss  Marie Booth; is very proud of all her little dancing stars – from the youngest performer at only three years of age (the average age was 6 years) and a special congratulations goes out to the oldest member of the Goblin team – Alana Hope (12yrs) who played the naughty Goblin.

A huge congratulations to all the young dancers who each stole the show in their own magical way! Your hard work and passion is truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see what you all do next!

A big Thank you to everyone who helped along the way and backstage.

Thank you to Mike Addison for making all the main props for the show, thank you to the Bainbridge family for making a lovely sun. Thanks also to all BYSD registered chaperones – Claire Bainbridge, Caroline Hope, Mandy Howard – Carter and Sarah Marchant. Thank you to my Saturday helpers Adam Marchant, Kate Wilson, Izzy Bellwood and Emma Taylor, Thank you to Grace Addison on sound and prompt, Mike Addison on Lights and Mr Booth on curtains. Thank you to Kym Jackson for helping out with the hair. On refreshments were Aaron and Denise Wood, Rachel Coates, Shiona Johnson and Sylvia Lancaster, thank you to Jill and Stewart Jones for all your help with the raffle.

Thanks also to Paul Henry for the photos and of course Emily Jones (Apex videography) for filming the show and creating the highlights reel..

Thank you to all the families and businesses who kindly donated prizes for the raffle; Mike Addison Opticians, Dodd & Co Accountants, NFU mutual, CF Photography and All Stitched Up.

Marie and the rest of the BYSD team hope you all have had  a Merry Christmas and they look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

BYSD & Performing Arts is buzzing with excitement as students celebrate outstanding results in recent Ballet and Acro exam.

This year has marked a significant milestone for the school, not only showcasing the incredible talent and hard work of its young dancers by performing on a MSC Cruise ship, but also with excellent results in recognised exams.

Under the expert guidance of BYSD Principal Marie Booth and dedicated teachers Miss Rosie Baglee & Miss Emily Bancroft, students have not only honed their technical skills but also embraced the artistry and discipline that Ballet and Acro demand. The results from all the grades were outstanding from the first grade of IDTA Ballet Preparatory up to Advanced 1 Ballet – this has  been nothing short of remarkable.

Ballet Brilliance

In the Ballet category, students have demonstrated exceptional performances, with several achieving high results this is highlighting their dedication and talent. “It’s thrilling to see our students excel and push the boundaries of their abilities,” said Miss Booth “Each dancer brings something unique to the stage, and it’s wonderful to watch them grow.”

Exams encourage children of all ages to practice and gain more confidence with their chosen hobby and become better dancers.

Performing Arts is a great hobby not only for health and fitness, mind and body but a hobby that gains a child UCAS points for future career paths is a bonus. Even if the child isn’t going to pursue dance as a chosen career the benefits of dance exams is a positive.

Exams:

IDTA  Grade Preparatory Ballet

Annie Ellis – Distinction

April Jackson – Distinction

April Tinkler – Distinction

Ava Harding – Distinction

Eria Prokopiw -Distinction

Madeline Marchant – Distinction

Matilda Jackson – Distinction

Poppi Adam – Distinction

IDTA  Grade Primary Ballet

Alana Hope – Distinction

Annie Coates – Distinction

Coraline Hill- Merrit

Grace Bainbridge – Distinction

Harriet Grant – Distinction

Jasmine Lancaster – Distinction

Keira Hope – Merrit

Olivia Tallentire – Merrit

Ruby Hodgson- Distinction

IDTA Grade 1 Ballet

Alana Hope – Distinction

Annie Coates – Distinction

Coraline Hill – Distinction

Grace Bainbridge – Distinction

Harriet Grant – Distinction

Jasmine Lancaster – Distinction

Keira Hope – Distinction

Olivia Tallentire -Distinction

IDTA Grade 3 Ballet

Emily Brierley – Merrit

Emma Pattinson – Distinction

Hannah Thompson – Distinction

Imogen Gill –  Merrit

IDTA Grade 4 Ballet 

Adam Marchant – Distinction

Arianna Mammeli – Distinction

Christiana Conner – Distinction

Emma Taylor – Distinction

Isabella Keenan – Distinction

IDTA Advanced 1 Ballet

Grace Addison – Distinction

IDTA Preparatory Acro Dance

Violet Antrobus – Merrit

Roxy Howard – Carter – Distinction

Alice Pott – Distinction

IDTA Primary Acro Dance 

Arabella Cunningham – Distinction

Annie Coates – Distinction 

In a world where the arts and academics often seem at odds, one remarkable dancer has proven that passion and dedication can lead to exceptional achievements in both realms.

Grace Addison, a talented young dancer, whose journey from the age of two started at Penrith’s Bishop Yards School of Dance (BYSD) which was founded by her mum – Marie Booth.

Grace started taking dance exams from the age of five and began to dream of becoming an accomplished student at a prestigious vocational dance and performing arts school.

Captivated by the elegance and expressiveness of movement, she quickly immersed herself in dance, balancing her studies with a rigorous training schedule. Grace consistently excelled when taking her dance exams in Ballet, Modern & Tap, gaining Distinctions in all of them, while continuing to concentrate on her school exams – also passing three A Levels.

While studying for her A levels, Grace successfully auditioned for a place on an associate program at The Northern Ballet in Leeds, which she attended most Sundays receiving professional tuition in Ballet, Jazz and vocals.

Also, during her final year of A levels, she worked towards and successfully passed her IDTA Advanced 1 Ballet exam. Following an hour and a half intensive exam, Grace was delighted to pass with a Distinction – this is the equivalent to a level 4 first year degree course.

Adding even more strings to her bow, Grace is also an accomplished saxophonist – studying to ABRSM Grade 7, and a wonderful singer also achieving a Distinction in her ABRSM Grade 8 singing exam.

All of this has led to her successfully auditioning for a place at Performers College in Essex. Her audition day couldn’t have gone any better as after a long day of classes and assessments she was offered a place on the day on the ‘Musical Theatre & Dance’ three-year degree course!

The college boasts many current and previous Wet End stars as both past Alumni and current members of the teaching staff. This gives the students not only expert tuition, but a genuine insight into the real world of high-level performing arts.

Grace has now started her training in Essex at the beginning of September, with long days of various dance, musical theatre, and vocal classes – often starting at 8am and finishing at 7pm. However, Grace would be the first to admit she is loving what she is doing and following her dreams!

Grace wanted to express her deepest gratitude to all her teachers who have helped her on her journey this far.

Photo curtesy of Paul Henry Photograper

To spend your life living your dream is not something that everyone can boast they are doing, but for one extremely grateful dance teacher, it is something that she has been proud of every single day for the last twenty-five years!

‘Bishop Yards School of Dance & Performing Arts’, founded by Marie Booth, has been a cornerstone of the Penrith community for a quarter of a century, nurturing young dancers and providing a platform for artistic expression.

“As a child attending dance classes, I remember the fun and caring environment where I would meet friends several nights each week. We would look forward to whatever show or exam we were working towards. Looking back now as a teacher myself, I can fully appreciate how hard my teacher must have worked to ensure we could have fun, be creative and learn discipline at the same time. All the while in a safe and caring environment”

Marie was incredibly fortunate to have an exciting career as a professional dancer, working for many years on contracts in Greece, Jersey, touring the UK in professional shows, professional pantomimes, TV extra work and latterly at Oasis Holiday Village – now Center Parcs.

But just as with any professional athlete, time can take its toll and your body lets you know when to change track – with this in mind, that is when Marie decided she wanted to instil the same love for dance and performing into the younger generations, just as she had been when she was a child.

“When I first started BYSD, my dream was to create a space where students of all ages could discover the beauty of dance, build confidence, and express themselves through movement, take recognised exams and perform in shows; but above all else – have fun while doing it”.
“It’s a bonus to be able offer drama and singing classes as well as LAMDA and singing exams.

Little did I know, this dream would grow into a vibrant community that feels more like a family than a school. Over the years, we have seen countless students grow not just as dancers and actors, but as individuals. Watching you all develop your skills, overcome challenges, and shine on stage has been one of the greatest joys to see and makes me feel I’m doing my job correctly”.

The confidence gained through the performing arts doesn’t just mean you are destined for a life on the stage, but to be able to stand in-front of groups of people and give a presentation, to deal with day-to-day challenges while using a creative and disciplined approach are all skills that can be gained from attending classes at BYSD – not to mention the strength and fitness aspect of dance.

As Marie and her BYSD family are celebrating their ‘silver jubilee’ in 2024, to mark this significant anniversary the school decided to host a unique event, taking their performances beyond the usual stage and onto the open sea!

The MSC Grandiosa was to play host to eighteen BYSD performers and no less than fifty supporting family and friends as they sailed around the Med performing as part of the professional entertainment team.

The Cruise Team had spent many weeks rehearsing two amazing routines that would hopefully blow away the international audiences.

“We didn’t have a full team for many of the rehearsals due to other commitments, but we managed to bring it all together with an odd substitute when we performed one of the routines at the Roundthorn Hotel for a pre-voyage charity event” The event manged to raise over £600 pounds which was split between Cancer Research and future costumes for the school.

On the 22^nd July the team set sail and then the important task of organising the rehearsal schedule for the week and ultimately set the dates and times for the shows with the Cruise Director began. While the young stars and their families could enjoy their time on board, for Marie it was a busy working week.

Eventually after a couple of technical rehearsals, it was time for the first performance.

The cruise ship’s grande theatre was transformed into a world of fantasy as the dancers brought beloved stories to life. The first performance of “Aladdin,” dazzled the audience with its colourful costumes, energetic choreography, and captivating storytelling. The young dancers skilfully portrayed the magic and adventure of the classic tale, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. They had certainly made their mark as they received the first of their many standing ovations. The Young stars were beginning to get recognised as they walked around the ship – their first taste of stardom!

After another rehearsal and some exciting sight-seeing, it was time for their second show.

The school’s students transported the audience to the whimsical world of Oz with a heartwarming medley of “The Wizard of Oz.” The choreography, a beautiful blend of classical ballet and musical theatre and modern dance, highlighted the talent and versatility of the dancers. From Dorothy’s iconic journey down the Yellow Brick Road to the Wicked Witch’s menacing presence, every moment was met with awe and admiration. There was even a huge Yellow Brick Road which made an appearance!

The cruise ship audience; a mix of proud parents, cruise passengers, and dance enthusiasts, was thoroughly entertained, with many expressing their admiration for the young performers. “The talent and energy these kids brought to the stage were truly remarkable,” commented one cruise passenger. “It was a highlight of the trip.”

The BYSD Team even had chance to spend some time with the professional performers, who were more than happy to share their experiences of performing during a Q&A session organised by Marie.

The routines were performed in front of all the passengers during the week, with their celebrity status only rising with each performance.

As the dance school looks forward to its next chapter, this 25th-anniversary performance on the cruise ship will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight in its history. The school continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of dancers, with many more performances and milestones to come.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to the next 25 years of dancing, growing, and creating beautiful memories together.

Our 25th anniversary is not just a celebration of time; it’s a celebration of every single dancer who has stepped through our doors, every parent who has trusted us with their child’s dreams, and every teacher and staff member who has worked and helped BYSD.  This milestone is an achievement to all pupils, parents and teachers.

As we look back on the last 25 years, I am reminded of the countless recitals, competitions, and community performances that have brought us together. Each memory is a testament to the dedication, passion, and love that flows through our school. As we look forward to the future, I am excited about the new opportunities, challenges, and joys that await us.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to the next 25 years of dancing, growing, and creating beautiful memories together. If you would like to join us on our exciting journey into the future, please email for class details: bysdance@btinternet.com

BYSD & Performing Arts is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year and as part of their celebrations, Marie Booth – BYSD founder and Principal – is taking eighteen young performers aged from 6 to 18 years old on a fabulous cruise ship, the MSC Grandiosa, around the Mediterranean Sea. The ‘Cruise Team’ have been rehearsing routines for the past couple of months to make sure they are as professional as possible when they take to the stage in front of a huge international audience. They will also be fully supported by a large group of family and friends who are travelling with them.
As part of the preparations for the forthcoming cruise performances, the mighty BYSD team held an Afternoon Tea with a difference at the Roundthorn Hotel on Saturday 29th June. They treated family, friends and members of the public to a sneak preview of one of their amazing routines – ‘Aladdin’. The cruise team were also joined by other pupils from the School for a second routine –  a medley to ‘Matilda’.

The event was held not only to preview some of their wonderful work, but also to raise money for Cancer Research and costumes for future shows.
“It was a great afternoon with so much energy displayed by all of the performers” said BYSD Principal Marie Booth. “This was such a great way to kick start our twenty-five-year celebrations. We have so much more to come this year, but the focus is on our amazing cruise experience” she added.
Following the Afternoon’s performances, a large group of performers and parents then headed to Penrith Rugby Club to take part in the CRY for Eden charity event in memory of Ryan Johnson. Ryan’s daughter, Kenna is a member of the BYSD Cruise team and like all the young performers, she will be supported by a huge supporting cast of family and friends onboard the ship.
This will be the fourth time BYSD has performed on a cruise ship, and each time the performances get better and better. “It really is such a great experience for these young dancers – something they will remember for the rest of their lives” said Marie.
“Since I started all those years ago, I am proud of the things we have achieved – numerous performances on London’s West End, annual shows held at amazing local venues like Rheged, Theatre by the Lake, The Sands Centre and of course Penrith Playhouse. Excellent exam results in all genres of dance through the ISTD and IDTA. Also, sensational results in LAMDA Drama exams and ABRSM singing exams, things just keep going from strength to strength. I am especially proud of those past pupils who have gone on to work in the performing arts industry – either as dancers, actors, teachers, or producers. This year in-particular is especially poignant to me as my daughter, Grace, will be leaving to follow her dreams by training in Musical Theatre at Performers College Essex. She has been coming to classes since she was a baby in her pram and started taking part in classes when she was two years old. I am so proud of her successes so far.”
BYSD was started by professional dancer, Marie in September 1999 at St Andrews Centre, Penrith. The school was based there for nearly twenty years, but when the opportunity arose for Marie to rent her own studio, it was too good to refuse.
“The move to Burrowgate was definitely a good one for many reasons” added Marie.
Covid was the catalyst that pushed BYSD towards a new home that Marie could manage more efficiently and still have the space required to do what she wanted. 11a Studios, home of BYSD, is loved by all the pupils and even played host to Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez for a brief period while they started rehearsing for Strictly Come Dancing a couple of years ago.

“Twenty-five years seem to have flown by, but I can still remember nearly every pupil who danced across our floor!”

BYSD depart from Penrith on Monday 22nd July for their epic cruise adventure and we look forward to hearing about their amazing performances and wonderful adventures!

Marie would like to thank the staff and management at the Roundthorn Hotel, thank you to those parents who helped chaperone on the day and thanks also to those businesses who kindly donated many wonderful gifts for the raffle: Foundry 34, Askham Pool, Rheged, Onyx Fitness, All stitched up, Dodd & Co and Mike Addison Optician.

A total of £739.32 was raised on the day, which will be divided equally between the two causes.

Local future stars of the Stage and Screen have had the opportunity recently to display their talents and receive the accolades they deserve, as they impressed professional LAMDA examiners following weeks of classes and rehearsals.

Talented students from Penrith based BYSD & Performing Arts took their LAMDA exams in categories ranging from Solo Introductory stages for the very youngest students; to Grade Five Acting for the early teen groups. The Exam sessions were held at the home of BYSD in 11a Studios, Burrowgate, Penrith in the Autumn term. Sixteen students were entered with all passing with fantastic Grades.

During the Early part of the Spring term, there was even more cause for celebration as Performers from the School were entered into different categories at the ‘Carlisle & District Music and Drama Festival’. All the students received high praise from the judges; with a particular mention for Arianna Mameli and Isobella Keenan who were awarded the Dr. Kenneth Pickering Memorial Trophy for outstanding performance in duo-acting. While Kate Wilson was awarded the Joe Wallace Memorial Salver trophy for her outstanding performance in solo acting. BYSD came away with many tophies – gaining three first places and three second places.

More recently, in the last month, three of the older members of BYSD took their LAMDA Grade six and Grade seven Acting exams, all passing with excellent grades which also gained them valuable UCAS points for their university applications!

School Principal, Marie Booth, says she was delighted with the way the acting and performance courses were going at BYSD. “We have held LAMDA classes for a few years now, but it seems the classes are becoming more popular and our successes in exams and competitions are fantastic!”

Marie would like to pay special thanks to Maddie Joseph and Debbie Marper who worked towards the autumn exams and also BYSD new Drama teacher Kathryn Marper for the latest exam session, thanks to  all for their drama teaching skills for exams.

LAMDA classes are available to everyone, not just to improve their acting skills, but it can improve a childs’ confidence, especially when speaking in front of groups of people – a skill for life!

BYSD singing and drama lessons are held on a Monday night, if anyone is wanting to try out a free session please email Marie: bysdance@btinternet.com

Congratulations to

Solo Introductory stage one: Scarlett Banks – Distinction

Solo Introductory stage three: James Benson – Distinction

Speaking verse & Prose: Grade 1: Jasmine Lancaster – Distinction, Annie Coates –  Distinction, Coraline Hill –  Distinction

Acting Grade 2: Grace Bainbridge –  Distinction, Alana Hope –  Distinction, Daisy Britton –  Merit, Emma Pattinson – Merit

Grade 3 Acting: Hope Keys – Distinction, Adam Marchant – Distinction, Arianna Mameli – Distinction, Isobella Keenan –  Distinction

Grade 5 Acting: Kate Wilson – Distinction, Charlotte Brierley –  Distinction

Grade 6 Acting: Maisy Potts – Merit

Grade 7 Acting: Olivia Corbishley – Merit, Rebecca Newby – Merit

The Carlisle Music and Drama Festival is an annual event where young people from across the region perform to a welcoming audience and professional adjudicator. This year, the Drama Classes were judged by Stephen Owen. He created a supportive atmosphere for all performers, provided much encouragement and gave valuable feedback on how the young actors could develop their skills further. Not only is it a great opportunity for actors and musicians to develop their craft but as an audience member, it is a week to enjoy delightful performances from our region’s emerging talent.

The younger students at Bishop Yards School of Dance and Performing Arts decided to enter in the poetry class. Each recited a poem from memory and were praised for their projection, vocal expression and facial expression.

Congratulations to James Benson and Scarlett Wood who both came in second place in their categories! James Benson even got a special mention from adjudicator, Stephen Owen, for the expression and humour he brought to his poem.

Some of the older students were keen to perform duologues from plays such as ‘Peter Pan’, ‘A Little Princess’ and ‘Buckets’. For Annie Coates and Jasmine Lancaster, this was their first time performing a duologue. They did a great job and brought lots of fun and energy to their performance of ‘Peter Pan’.

Alana Hope and Grace Bainbridge played best friends, Sara and Ermengarde, in ‘A Little Princess’. Their engaging and heart-warming performances won them second place in the 11 and under – Duologue Class.

In the 14 and under – Duologue Class, Arianna Mameli and Isobella Keenan performed a duologue from ‘Buckets’. In this scene, Arianna Mameli earnestly portrayed a young woman who has made a bucket list for her hamster including going to Alton Towers and skydiving. Paired with Isobella Keenan’s dry retorts, this made for a hilarious and quirky performance. Their performance not only won them first place in their category, but also The Dr. Kenneth Pickering Memorial Trophy for outstanding performance in Duologue Acting.

Two of the older students, Kate Wilson and Adam Marchant challenged themselves with a Shakespeare Monologue. Adam Marchant gave an energetic and mischievous interpretation of Puck from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. His great performance earned him first place in the Shakespeare Solo – 14 and Under Category.

Kate Wilson gave a haunting performance as Lady Macbeth in her famous ‘Out Damned Spot’ monologue. Her screams of terror not only won her first place in the Shakespeare Solo – Open Category but also The Joe Wallace Memorial Salver for an outstanding performance in Acting.

BYSD will also be holding a ‘Drama and Craft’ workshop on the 3rd & 4th April during the Easter holidays. There will also be a Ballet workshop held on 12th & 13th April.

Please email bysdance@btinternet.com for more information about workshops and regular classes.

Congratulations to all students for their excellent performances:

Poetry

• Violet Antrobus – Balloons by Judith Thurman
• James Benson (2^ndPlace) – The Worm by Ralph Bergengren
• Keira Hope – The Door by Richard Edwards
• Alice Pott – The Runners by Alan Ahlberg
• Scarlett Wood (2^ndPlace) – The Runners by Alan Ahlberg

Duologues

• Grace Bainbridge and Alana Hope (2^ndPlace) –  ‘A Little Princess’  by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Adapted by Shaun McKenna
• Annie Coates and Jasmine Lancaster – ‘Peter Pan’ by J M Barrie
• Isobella Keenan and Arianna Mameli (1^stPlace and The Dr. Kenneth Pickering Memorial Trophy) –  ‘Buckets’ by Adam Barnard

Shakespeare

• Adam Marchant (1^stPlace) – ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
• Kate Wilson (1^st Place and The Joe Wallace Memorial Salver) – ‘Macbeth’