A Hackney drama and film school celebrated its 21st anniversary over the weekend, with special guests including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Joseph Marcell and BBC star Tahj Miles.
Clapton's Anna Fiorentini Theatre and Film School put on an "incredible show" at Hackney Empire on Saturday (March 19).
The school has provided arts classes for children, aged 7-18, in Hackney for 21 years, helping them develop skills in singing, drama, dance and film.
The celebrations for its 20th anniversary were postponed last year due to the pandemic so an extra special gala was presented this year instead.
Anna Fiorentini, founder and principal of the school said: "We’ve had a difficult couple of years not knowing if the school would have to close or if we would be able to do live performances again so to finally be able to celebrate 21 years has been really special."
The show saw Anna Fiorentini students perform well known West End song and dance numbers.
They were joined on stage by school alumni, Tahj Miles, who is currently starring in the BBC's Death in Paradise and long-time supporter of the school, Joseph Marcell, who played Geoffrey the butler on 90s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Singer-songwriter Kali Claire was also a special guest at the show.
Supporter of the school, Hackney MP Meg Hillier, was also in attendance.
She said: "Our young people have been through so much over the last two years and getting back to real life and performance is a huge confidence booster."
Past students were also present via a pre-made anniversary video.
Alumni include Belinda Owusu, star of BBC’s Holby City and EastEnders, and Jermain Jackman, winner of The Voice UK 2014.
At the showcase a charity dance organised by Stage & the City, the adult branch of the school, was also performed by 15 adults who had been sponsored to learn a dance routine in five hours and perform it on stage.
Money raised will go towards kids with or affected by cancer that wish to attend the school.
To donate, visit https://fiorentinifoundation.enthuse.com/cf/lip-sync-battle
To find out more, visit www.afperformingarts.com/theatre-and-film-school/schools
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