After nineteen years of bringing musical theatre to life on the school’s stage under the direction and dedication of Debbie Nicholson, this year’s production, The City, was welcomed with great pride and excitement. Despite this having been one of the most challenging years in the production’s history — with the future of the show at times uncertain — the final result was once again a great success. 

The production featured a remarkable ensemble, including many very young and first-time performers. Their growth and confidence throughout the process have been greatly supported by the leadership, patience, and talent of the more experienced students, who have shown exceptional maturity, kindness, and professionalism, setting a wonderful example for the entire team. A special thanks to Michael Purcell for his musical guidance during the process. 

The City is an especially ambitious and original work: a completely bespoke musical created exclusively for the European School of Alicante. With outstanding music by West End composer Corin Buckeridge and a compelling script and lyrics by alumna Elissa Nicholson, the production explores a theme that feels both timely and deeply relevant — society’s growing disconnection from reality and the danger of losing ourselves in our screens. Their creativity and vision have resulted in a thoughtful, moving, and highly contemporary piece of theatre.

Special recognition must also go to choreographer Katie Mayfield and Danelly Valero for bringing such energy, movement, and vibrancy to the stage. Gratitude is equally due to alumna, musical theatre graduate, singer, and vocal coach Alba Hernandez, whose encouragement, expertise, and support helped the young singers deliver performances to be truly proud of.

A huge thanks to Tilius Guiffrida (S6EN) who stepped in to help out with the technical side of the production. His knowledge and skills in managing the sound and lighting desks have grown impressively over the past couple of years, and the production couldn’t have managed without him. 

And also a big thanks to volunteer parents who were supporting the whole journey and the final rehearsals, helping with costumes, hair, make-up, snacks…  

As a gesture of appreciation and recognition, AMPA brought flowers to all the actors and the team. 

We are already looking forward with great excitement to next year’s 20th edition of the European School of Alicante Musical — a milestone celebration that promises and deserves to be truly special. For 2027, the team will be revisiting one their most successful productions of their history of bespoke musicals, The Surface. Back in 2017, this musical was performed at school, as well as at Cigarreras and The Vaults in London, to a full house and a standing ovation! There will be a new format for rehearsals for this multi-lingual musical, so please pay attention to informative meetings and emails.

A celebratory cabaret concert featuring the alumni stars of the ESA Musicals from the past 20 years is also in the early stages of planning — we will keep you informed! As many of them are now professional musicians, it will surely be an unforgettable event.