The West End Kids put on a stunning performance of “A Life Lived with Grace” that paid tribute to the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
They sang this song, which has recently become the official anthem of the Commonwealth for the Platinum Jubilee, at the Coutts Bank in London. For many in attendance, the event was a way of recognising the ongoing resilience of the late monarch’s reign. The gathering of the Jubilee Beacons that lit up the night of June 2 was not just a historic moment for Britain but also an occasion when young British talent got to strut its stuff.
A Life Lived with Grace is the official version recorded for the Jubilee Beacons. West End Kids recorded the song with a unique arrangement that was created by West End Kids Musical Supervisor, Martin Williams. The performance possessed a charm that, judging by the rapturous applause of the audience, resonated with them. This piece not only celebrates the rich and varied cultural scene of London but also highlights the unbridled creativity of today’s young performers.
The heart of “A Life Lived with Grace” expresses potent, powerful, and even profound themes that, while sometimes taken for granted, the lyricist judged are exceedingly important to our society today: light amid darkness; peace, harmony, and hope; and, most of all, the kind of leadership that sets a powerful example for the rest of us. The West End Kids have permeated these themes, which serve as a just and fitting tribute to such a dedicated figure.
The West End Kids had to work hard on the three components of any good show: music, movement, and acting. And they had to imagine (if not actually simulate) the experience of performing for a very important audience. There’s something about a Royal Show that puts the pressure on performers. The Royal Family itself is going to see this one – we had word that HRH Prince Charles had indeed enjoyed the performance. So no wonder the West End Kids were so focused, so intent on making every moment on stage count.
Watch the video of this unforgettable performance and experience once more the magic of the Jubilee Beacons event.
If you’re an aspiring performer, you should definitely check out the opportunities available with West End Kids. We’re an incredible organisation that provides a path for young artists to perform in front of large, live audiences.
The Platinum Jubilee was an event meant to bring people together to celebrate age-old traditions and the kind of steadfast, quiet service that is rarely honoured. To us, the title alone was a good hook for the theatre piece. “A Life Lived with Grace” sounds like the kind of life anyone would want to live. And we’re pretty sure it’s the kind of life most people* aspire to.
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