FROM a month helping out in 1965 to a living legend, honoured by The Queen and beloved by so many. The Brenda Taylor School Dance celebrated 60 Glorious Years with two special shows over the weekend.

In over two hours, they showed a packed Harlow Playhouse why it is such a special institution.

For many of us just looking at all the news reels that were displayed at the back were fascinating. From the Harlow Citizen to the Harlow Star as well as Ten17.

Yes we loved the pantomime interview with Charlotte Spencer, Michael Kent and Tracy Peglar. Then aged 7, 9 and 9. Even then Charlotte sounded quite ambitious. That will be BAFTA winning Charlotte Spencer!

This reviewer was also thinking about the line “Always employ a Theatre kid” that we heard the other day (Sam Ashford from Livewire).

On stage, you could see the discipline, the dedication and the delivery. With the roll call, you could see that many had gone on to great things in this profession but well also know that many have also gone on to careers such as senior teachers, lawyers etc where they learned key skills.

Photos courtesy of AP Headshot Photography and Brenda Taylor

On with the show.

This was a best of in more ways than one. There were absolute showstoppers in Mary Poppins, Scrooge and Wicked.

An absolutely outstanding Paint It Black, which was so dark and dynamic.

You looked at each and every performer and saw that they put their own individual mark on their performance. But each and everyone had learned to preform for each and every person in the audience.

But we think those disciplines that were taught on a cold Saturday mornings at Tye Green Community Centre in 1965 continue at the Latton Bush Centre in 2026.

This show was also all about colours: Snow Queen Red and Irish Green. But it was also about momentum: the show never missed a step or a heartbeat and really did leave the audience wanting more.

We were treated to three singers who returned for the special occasion: Summer Harrison, Michal Kent and Olivia Cowley.

You can find Summer’s single on I-Tunes. Yes, YH has downloaded it.

This was a huge 60th anniversary cast: Seniors, Grade 3, Grade 2, Grade 1 and Primary. Plus the returners. Plus all the backstage (and the chaperones!).

Sometimes we just look at the costumes and think “How much work has gone into this?” or “where did they find eleven Shirley Temple wigs?

At the end, the Chair of Harlow Council, Andrew Johnson and the leader of Harlow Council, Dan Swords made warm and effusive speeches.

There were many bouquets for a very humble Brenda Taylor.

We also cannot understate the work done by her daughter, Kathryn. A remarkable achievement.

Harlow’s arts and theatre are in rude health. It is a joy to review and enjoy. But this is down to pioneers like Brenda Taylor. An institution, a role model a beacon. You could feel the love in the theatre on Saturday night.

One of the first acts was: When you laugh the how to dance. We are sure thousands of local children would like to say thank you.