Taking Centre Stage
Described by Simon Cowell as ‘mega talented’, singer Ella Shaw has recently appeared with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London and in an international ‘all-stars’ TV show in Madrid
With a performance on Britain’s Got Talent catapulting her into the national spotlight eight years ago, singer and international performer Ella Shaw has come a long way.
Ella was 18 when she appeared on the show singing one of her own songs. Today she has gained respect from some of the biggest names in showbusiness.
Five years ago, Ribble Valley-based Ella founded one of the most successful academies for the performing arts, which she says will be her legacy: “I love it that the kids really respect what I do. It gives me a real buzz that they can see a whole new world when they come to the academy,” says Ella, who recently appeared with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall to mark the 50th anniversary of Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells. Ella sings Moonlight Shadow – Oldfield’s biggest hit single – on the 50th anniversary album, which reached number one in iTunes’ classical music charts.
With captivating vocals, star quality and stage presence, Ella has been described by Simon Cowell as: “Mega, mega talented!”
Ella says: “After Britain’s Got Talent I decided to take a different direction – I wanted to inspire kids to follow their dreams. I was also mindful that singing was good for health and wellbeing.”
Ella made the decision to set up the Ella Shaw Academy for Arts at The Grand in Clitheroe, for students aged from four to 18 – and fast forward to the present day the academy is thriving: “During the pandemic I was listening to podcasts about how children’s mental health had declined. I was really keen that the academy would boost children’s confidence, give them something that they really enjoyed,” explains Ella, who has also seen her own singing career re-ignited. She recently appeared on an international All Stars Got Talent TV show aired on Spanish TV.
“I really enjoyed recording that – it was very different from Britain’s Got Talent as I felt I didn’t need to prove myself. I performed with other people from all over the world and they also featured footage of the Ella Shaw Academy on TV, which was great.
“The judges said what I had done was a huge achievement, which made me quite emotional!
“One of the reasons I took part in the show, which was filmed in Madrid, was to show the kids what they can achieve.”
Ella has also been delighted to be recently named as an ambassador for Child Action North West (CANW) which commented: “We are proud to have Ella as an ambassador of CANW. Her strong character and determination is an inspiration to all the children and young people our services support. Our work relies upon influential members of the community to join us in addressing a systemic problem by becoming supporters of our charity – without it we wouldn’t be able to run our services or reach the children and young people that need us most.”
With 200 youngsters and further expansion planned later this year, Ella and her students are currently working on a glittering production of Sister Act Junior.
“I am heavily involved in the academy professionally – it gives me so much fulfilment. I can see the difference in the confidence of the youngsters who come here. Many were really lost after the pandemic, but the academy has made them feel like they belong.
“It has been the best five years of my entire career. I have seen shy and reserved kids literally find their voices when they perform.”
With Kathryn Maye-Cavaleri directing the production of Sister Act Junior on 9th and 10th June, Ella admits that the project, which has two casts of 30, has been a challenge: “I have just been so busy – the academy has taken off and my singing career has taken off – my whole life at the moment is working, which is good!” says Ella, who has a former student now working for the academy as a teaching assistant – plus a former student was recently chosen to appear in a new show involving Alicia Keys.
“It’s amazing! Believe me, there is a lot of talent here in the Ribble Valley!”
The academy’s production is based on the Touchstone Pictures Motion Picture ‘Sister Act’ written by Joseph Howard. Sister Act JR. is represented through special arrangement with, and all authorised materials supplied by, Music Theatre International
