Hoi Polloi Academy took centre stage (literally!) at the Junior Theatre Festival 2025, over the past weekend at the ICC in Birmingham. This annual event gathers youth theatre groups from across the UK and Europe to celebrate the performing arts, and this year, Malta was proudly represented by a team of 26 students, aged 7 to 16.

The young performers presented a 14-minute adaptation of Shrek JR., which earned them the Award for Dance – a notable recognition for the group’s energy, storytelling, and stage presence. The performance demonstrated the students’ commitment to movement-based expression, choreography, and ensemble work.

Adding to the occasion, students Amy Farrugia and Raffaele Luigi Gauci were selected as JTF All-Stars – an honour awarded to standout performers from participating groups. As part of the All-Star experience, both students spent the afternoon rehearsing a specially choreographed routine, which they then performed during the evening’s Awards Ceremony. Notably, this marks Amy’s second consecutive All-Star selection – well done!

To add to the weekend’s success, three HPA students – Emily Georgea Dimech, Erika Bonello, and Laura Cardona – were nominated and auditioned for the International All-Stars programme. If selected, they will travel to New York City in 2026 to train and perform with fellow young performers from around the world.

Congratulations to everyone involved!