Millennium Performing Arts college in Greenwich has just celebrated its first full graduation ceremony.

It has been based in the borough for over a decade, and Millennium Performing Arts is the only college in the area offering a degree in Musical Theatre.

The directors of the college have over 80 years of experience in the industry, including Donald McLennan, who has appeared with such legends as Ginger Rogers at the London Palladium and Ikky Maas, who is an ex Principal of the world renowned Ballet Rambert.

The college, which has Sir Derek Jacobi as its patron, is very active in the community and was awarded the Arts and Entertainments award by the Mayor earlier this year.

On Saturday, July 7, they had the first full graduation ceremony at the Bathway Theatre where the end of year show was performed as well.

The diplomas and prizes were awarded by alumni Joe Pitcher who is currently the resident Director of Matilda the Musical.

Donald McLennan acted as MC and over 30 graduates attended along with nearly 200 family and friends.

Both Donald and Ikky are immensely proud of how far they have come in 21 years since Millennium was formed ‘Each year surprises us’ said Donald ‘They seem to push new boundaries with their talent’.

One notable absentee from the ceremony who won two achievement awards as well as graduating was Yuki Abe. Yuki is already working and not just any old theatre, but in the King and I at the London Palladium with Ken Watanabe.

Yuki was of course disappointed that she couldn’t be at the graduation, but of course, the show comes first.