The Other Songs Live at London Palladium

The BRIT School has made multiple pop superstars, yet alongside the likes of Adele, Amy Winehouse and RAYE are actors such as Tom Holland and Blake Harrison, plus Radio 1 DJ Gemma Cairney as alumni. That’s only one reason to celebrate the institution, however, which is reflected in tonight’s proceedings; rather than a stuffy evening of speeches, raffles and mingling, this fundraiser held by The Other Songs at the Palladium is an evening to celebrate both the BRIT School and the creative arts as a whole.

Members of the BRIT School House Band (consisting entirely of 17 and 18-year-old students) take to the Palladium stage like seasoned professionals, performing both by themselves, like with a stunning rendition of Love Is a Losing Game, and toe-to-toe with industry stalwarts; other students in the audience gamely cheer them on.

Guest performers include songwriter in demand Justin Tranter – co-writer of mammoth hits like Chappell Roan’s Good Luck, Babe! and Justin Bieber’s Sorry – hyping up each singer he duets with, and Cathy Dennis, who performs pop classics by Britney Spears (Toxic) and Kylie Minogue (Can’t Get You out of My Head) she herself created.

There are anecdotes aplenty, from principal Stuart Worden recalling Rachel Keen (now known as RAYE) once approaching him about a piano version of her soon-to-be gigantic hit Escapism, to producer Zach Nahome sharing the stems from recording Man I Need with Olivia Dean. Cush Jumbo passionately talks about being able to access the school for free, before performing the “Once more unto the breach” speech from Shakespeare’s Henry V and encouraging the audience to donate.

Musical theatre students receive thunderous applause when performing Masquerade and The Music of the Night from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, and there’s a startlingly powerful monologue from actor Selorm Adonu, while digital arts students project their work on the Palladium’s huge screen.

It’s worth noting that The BRIT School receives standard state school funding, and is indeed free to attend – it’s astounding they’ve weathered the financial battles UK culture faces, yet they’ve kept going thanks to sponsorships and events like this. It’s a firmly held belief here tonight that high-quality performing arts education should be free for all; when this school regularly produces Grammy-winning artists, it’s hard to say otherwise.

A surprise special guest is another former attendee; Rex Orange County shares his experience at BRIT before singing Happiness and Loving Is Easy at the piano. Yet the best is saved for last, as closing the evening in style is the legendary Nile Rodgers, stating he’s a “big fan of The BRIT School”. It’s easy to believe him as he plays alongside the house band performing We Are Family, Let’s Dance and Good Times with the biggest smile.

Tonight is a heartwarming celebration of the performing arts and a fascinating insight into what makes creatives tick. Schools like this are more important than ever, helping young people find their calling and creativity. Given room to thrive, UK culture is in safe hands.