Warrington students meet Boy George and Glee star during New York trip

After jetting to The Big Apple, Priestley College students were able to enjoy a trip of a lifetime, witnessing two Broadway shows and taking part in workshops before meeting the stars of the shows in person.

Musical theatre student Annabelle Whitter spoke of the uplifting trip, saying: "The shows we watched on Broadway were amazing.

“One of the greatest things about the trip was seeing the professionals in their craft. It really helped me to see different styles of acting."

During their trip Priestley’s musical theatre, dance, and production art students visited the iconic Radio City Music Hall at the Rockefeller Centre.

They also took part in a stage combat workshop led by Christian Sordelet, a director renowned for his work with actors such as Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart.

However, it was while soaking up the magic of Broadway that they encountered Culture Club frontman Boy George and Darren Criss, star of Glee and Netflix’s American Crime Story.

While appearing at the theatres to watch Moulin Rouge and The Little Shop of Horrors, the excited students met the stars outside.  

Production arts student Darcy Bowler said: “Meeting Boy George was a once in a lifetime experience, I’ve listened to his music all my childhood and it was just incredible.”

During the trip the students immersed themselves in the sights of New York including sightseeing at Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park.

Meanwhile another memorable moment was a visit to the renowned ‘Ellen’s Stardust Diner,’ where the pupils enjoyed a meal accompanied by aspiring Broadway performers who were singing throughout.

The students on Brooklyn Bridge (Image: Priestley College)

“The whole experience was unforgettable,” said musical theatre teacher Abbie Ribbon.

“It was a delight to see the students' reactions to the fantastic sights of NYC.

“Their awe at Radio City Music Hall, their respect for the 9/11 Memorial and their exuberance at the Broadway Shows was a pleasure to behold.”