Croydon School of Gymnastics

Local Displays

Croydon School of Gymnastics is quite famous locally for its numerous public displays. Over the years we have done everything from school fairs to stage work with local amateur dramatics groups. Here are just a few examples of our numerous public appearances.

Aida with Surrey Opera
Thriller at the Whitgift Shopping Centre
Wild Boys at the Purley Candy Fair

Aida with Surrey Opera
In June 1996 we were approached by Surrey Opera to perform as Egyptian acrobats in their production of Aida. Five boys performed each night, but eight boys were involved in all, as two were juggling performances with exam revision for their GCSEs! The performances spanned three weeks, and took place at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon, the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks, and the Dorking Halls in Dorking.

The performers were Adam Ravenscroft, Ryan Evans, Freddie Mason, Robin Hill, Stephen Allen, Paul Grace (all pictured), together with Ian Coupar, John Smith and Ben Horton. The gymnasts were coached by Jackie Lewis and choreographed by Louise Bateman.

Croydon School of Gymnastics at the Whitgift Shopping Centre
On Saturday 25th July 1987, ten members of Croydon Boys' Gymnastics Club (as we were then called) performed their legendry Thriller display to a huge audience of shoppers at the Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon. The display was to raise awareness of the club's need for new premises, which have still not been obtained.

The routine was choreographed by Bob Chandler and performed by Ben Hook, Duncan Burr, William Green, Phillip Tamplin, Robert Chown, Russell Parker, Simon Winter, Chris Perry, with Robin Hill as Michael Jackson and Fiona Tamplin as his girlfriend.

Thriller display at Whitgift Shopping Centre

Wild Boys at the Purley Candy Fair
On 25th June 1988 people attending the Purley Candy Fair were treated to a spectacular display of gymnastics and dance (not to mention the make-up and costumes!) when Croydon Boys' Gymnastics Club (our former name) performed a display to Duran Duran's Wild Boys. The display was choreographed by Bob Chandler and performed by members of the squads.