A group of first year Community Drama students received warm thanks and a special surprise after entertaining over 250 public health sector workers at an NHS awards evening in Liverpool recently.

The performers, led by final year student Matthew Campbell, were presented with a mini replica of Liverpool’s now-iconic Superlambanana sculpture and a plaque bearing the inscription “Thanks LIPA – 2009”.

Trained by Matthew and Community Drama graduate Charlie Adams, the students sang a selection of season-themed songs a cappella. These included African gospel songs and Motown and soul numbers. The students also brought their own songs in and taught them to the group.

“This was the first a cappella singing project I’ve done and I’m really proud of them; they were brilliant and received great applause,” commented Matthew, who runs choir sessions for LIPA students.

Matthew was approached by the NHS after a conversation he had with staff at their stand during the 2009 LIPA freshers’ fair.

Singers on song: Matthew, centre, celebrates with the choir

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