HPA Shines at the Junior Theatre Festival 2025

Hoi Polloi Academy (HPA) has once again made Malta proud at the Junior Theatre Festival 2025, held at the ICC in Birmingham on Saturday 24th May. This year, a team of 26 talented students aged 7–16 brought the house down with their dynamic 14-minute adaptation of Shrek JR., earning the prestigious award for Dance — a recognition of their discipline, energy, and expressive storytelling through movement.

The HPA Delehation at the Junior Theatre Festival 2025

To add to the celebration, Amy Farrugia and Raffaele Luigi Gauci were selected as JTF All-Stars, joining other students from across Europe in learning a specially choreographed number in the afternoon and performing it on the main stage during the evening’s Awards Ceremony. Amy’s selection marks her second consecutive year as an All-Star — a remarkable achievement and testament to her growth and dedication.

Meanwhile, all HPA students participated in workshops in Acting, Singing, and Dance, led by West End professionals, gaining invaluable experience and insight into the world of musical theatre.

👉 HPA Educators also participated in Professional Development Workshops delivered by leading industry experts from iTheatrics — a true testament to our continued growth and professionalism in performing arts education.

🟢 The HPA ethos — one rooted in inclusivity, respect, and a sense of collective growth — was beautifully evident throughout the festival. Our students not only performed, they represented a community that empowers each other, uplifts younger members, and celebrates the transformative power of theatre. A genuine culture of mentorship and shared passion is beginning to flourish within our walls and beyond.

A note from Marco Calleja, Artistic Director:

“What we saw this weekend is our ethos in motion — a collective that uplifts, empowers, and supports each other artistically and personally. HPA is becoming more than a school — it’s a community. A place where young people grow into themselves through theatre and through one another.”

Emily Georgea Dimech, Erika Bonello, and Laura Cardona — were nominated and auditioned for the International All-Stars programme, which could see them invited to New York City in 2026 to train and perform with peers from around the world. While results are still pending, these students are already winners for stepping up to such a bold and exciting opportunity. Reflecting on the experience, Marie Louise Mangion, one of the accompanying parents, shared:

“The children performed wonderfully, giving their all and sharing what they truly enjoy doing together. The judges commented soooo positively on the performance as it showed the excellent mentorship throughout. We only have Mr Marco, Ms Lara, Ms Claire, Ms Rebecca, Ms Maria, and all the educators to thank. The Hoi Polloi spirit shone.”

The judges also praised the diversity of ages within the group, noting how “Children will listen” was brought to life on stage — with younger performers visibly inspired by the older ones. One judge remarked that it was clear how much the students like each other, and that genuine bond came through in their performance. In every moment — from rehearsals to workshops, from the stage to shared bus rides — the heart of HPA pulsed loud and clear: we are a family built on passion, purpose, and people. At the Junior Theatre Festival 2025, our students didn’t just perform; they connected, learned, supported, and soared.

This weekend wasn't just about a trophy or applause (though both were very much earned). It was about what happens when young people are given space to grow, shine, and belong — surrounded by educators who believe in them and a community that uplifts them.

This is what Hoi Polloi Academy is all about.And we’re only just getting started. 💚