A performing arts school in Swindon has celebrated a landmark anniversary with a “hugely successful” performance and surprise celebrity appearance.

The Tanwood School for Performing Arts performed a show called ‘Legendary’ at the Wyvern Theatre on November 16 and 17 to mark 80 years since the school was founded.

Dame Darcy Bussell, famous ballet dancer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge, was in attendance for the finale and joined performers on stage after the show.

The show also commemorated the 5th anniversary of the passing of the school’s founder Mollie Tanner, with Mollie’s daughter Pollyann continuing her mother’s legacy by taking charge of the Welton Road school.

Pollyann said: “This performance was very important for us. My mother started the school in 1944 in a garage on Ferndale Road and built it up to what it is today, and lots of people have Mollie to thank for their careers.

“The show itself was a huge success, with ex-pupils flying in from all over the world to come back and perform.”

Performers incorporated some of Mollie’s favourite musical numbers and costumes over the years into show, while Pollyann’s father John Tanner, who co-founded the school with Mollie, played the piano throughout.

Pollyann says: “It was a very modern show that used lots of older music in a new and fresh way. It was really nice way of remembering my mother.”

The school had initially hoped to host a special performance in Mollie's Memory shortly after her passing in 2019, but efforts to do so were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. But the wait was made worth it thanks to the unexpected presence of dance royalty.

“One of our teachers Stephen Wicks used to dance at the Royal Ballet with Darcy and invited her without telling anyone, including me.

“She was so gracious and stayed for three hours after the show to speak with everyone and take photos. It was charming, she even gave me a signed copy of her book.”

Speaking on stage after the event, Dame Darcy said: “To see you all give your all was so beautiful. My hat goes off to you. What a stunning evening, and what a celebration of 80 years, what an incredible legacy you have.”

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