Claire Hammacott
Director of Performance Studies
Born in Swansea, Claire trained for four years at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama under the supervision of Janet Price and Michael Pollock, enjoying roles such as Miss Wordsworth in Albert Herring, Drusilla in L’incoronazione Di Poppea and Susanna in the Marriage of Figaro, before embarking on a professional career which began with her joining Opera North in their touring production of La Gioconda.
Claire then joined the cast of the Phantom of the Opera where she enjoyed three years understudying and playing the role of Carlotta in both the Manchester and Edinburgh productions directed by Arthur Masella, before joining the London cast.
From there she secured a role in the West End production of Les Miserables at the Palace Theatre, London, understudying the role of Cosette, before fulfilling a lifelong dream and returning to His Majesty’s Theatre, London to play the alternate lead role of Christine Daae, in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Hal Prince.
During this time, Claire also performed in the 10th Anniversary celebratory performances of The Phantom of the Opera alongside Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sarah Brightman. She also appeared as guest soloist at the International Music Festival in Caracas, Venezuela.
Claire has performed as guest soloist on BBC Radio 2’s ‘Friday Night is Music Night’ and appeared in several programmes and documentaries for BBC and ITV Wales.
Claire was invited to sing for members of the Royal family, Princess Alexandra and Queen Rania of Jordan at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London and also performed at the televised opening ceremony of the Wales Millenium Centre.
Following this, she was then invited to perform at The Phantom of the Opera 25th anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
Claire has had the privilege of working with director Tom Hooper and writer Claude-Michel Schonberg, recording vocals for the Les Miserables film with Universal Pictures.
Claire currently combines her performing with vocal teaching in South Wales.
Meet our Team
Teresa
Beynon
Head of Faculty
Art and Photography
Amanda
Toogood
Music
Amy
Morgan
Drama and Performing Arts
Sue
White
Dance
Gwynn
Davies
LAMDA and Performing Arts
Upcoming Shows
Coming Soon
Frozen
Do you want to build a snowman? You’ll love this fanciful and heartwarming stage adaptation of the top-grossing animated film of all time! Join Anna, Elsa, and all of your favorite characters as they embark on an epic, ice-filled journey of self-discovery, camaraderie, and the real meaning of true love. Adapted for young performers, this musical includes favorite Frozen songs such as “Love Is an Open Door,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” and “Let It Go,” as well as wonderful new songs from the Broadway production. With its empowering message of love and understanding, Frozen JR. is sure to melt your heart!
Dates will be shown here soon..
Ticket information will be available shortly...
Music
Music touches our souls, shaping emotions and framing memories. At Llandovery College we understand the importance of music as both an emotional stimulus and artistic discipline. Students are encouraged to explore self-expression and through music’s many forms are regularly exposed to quality performance be it in our weekly Chapel services or through our concert programme. A majority of students develop their talent through instrumental and singing lessons – performance opportunities begin with Platform Performances, leading to Eisteddfodau and finally to our remarkable Scholars’ concerts.
Ensembles form an important part of the musical experience – the College Choir has built a national reputation for excellence and has performed at Barcelona Cathedral – and embrace all musical groups from orchestras to rock bands. Music is valued in the College, and the great Welsh tradition of music-making thrives in Llandovery.
Art & Photography
Every year, to celebrate the students’ successes and efforts, an exhibition of work is held as part of the Creative Arts Showcase and Arts Awards. The exhibition displays work by students in all year groups. This is always an outstanding and fitting event in which the energy, enthusiasm and creativity shown by the students across all the year groups, and in all aspects of Art and Photography has been tremendous.
LAMDA
(London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts)
Many students at the College choose to enrich their studies through the study of LAMDA qualifications which are taught by specialist staff with first class industry experience.
Exams are offered in subjects as diverse as: Public Speaking, Acting, Devising Drama, Musical Theatre and even Mime. Students can choose to work singly, in pairs or in small groups. The skills learnt support our Students in valuable areas such as organising information and presenting it and themselves, confidently in lessons, assemblies, interviews, university courses and eventually the workplace.
Countless students have benefitted from the skills, knowledge and self-assurance provided by LAMDA qualifications and they are a much valued part of College life.
Junior Performing Arts Academy
Llandovery College has a rich tradition of excellence in the Arts and our unique Junior Performing Arts Academy has been established to fully support those students who are passionate about their chosen discipline, be it acting, dance, technical theatre, vocal or instrumental performance.
Music, Drama and Performing Arts Scholarships
Available for entry into Years 7, 9 and 12
Music, Drama and Performing Arts Scholarships are available to those students displaying significant aptitude in their chosen field. Gifted and committed performers in dance, music or drama and those with excellent musical potential, talent and promise are able to apply for a scholarship.
Please contact us to discuss the scholarships available on 01550 723000 Opt 1 or admissions@llandoverycollege.com
