All-singing all-dancing alumni

When the Centre for Music (CFM) relocated this year, they found a box of posters and programmes stretching back to 1990s, showcasing a rich history of talent.

Music, theatre and dance can make us laugh and cry, draw us together and give us new perspectives. Over the decades, thousands of alumni and staff have been uplifted and enriched by events staged on campus or in a local performance space.

Memories like these stay with you. Did you love music in your student days? Do you remember a special gig or performance that moved you? Did you bond with fellow performers through a production? Is your show in our image archive?

Here’s a brief history of drama and music here at UWE Bristol, stretching back at least 50 years to Bristol Polytechnic.

1970s

Pre Frenchay campus, lively ‘Bristol Polydrama’ shows were held in the only theatre which was on the Ashley Down site. Rehearsals were usually at the Unity Street site, with creative input from students at Bower Ashton.

Bristol Polydrama’s Serjeant Musgrave’s Dance, May 1975

Bristol Polydrama’s You Never Can Tell, March 1974

1980s

The Centre for Performing Arts (CPA), it operated from E block on Frenchay campus. The CPA helped students from all over the institution and beyond put on theatre productions and concerts as well as organising workshops, and helping people find a room to practice.

Black and white photo of street performers — CPA street theatre troupe, Bristol Polytechnic Handbook 1981 – 1983

1990s

By the 1990s the CPA set up in the vacated Sports Recreation Centre, converting squash courts into rehearsal areas and sweaty changing rooms into practice spaces. The first dance space with full mirror wall was created and the CPA built an impressive collection of orchestral instruments for students to play.

Poster for 'Anything Goes', with casts signatures — Anything Goes poster, signed by cast

1993 – 2018

As part of the celebration of UWE’s new university status, the CPA established a full orchestra, classical choir and musical theatre choir plus smaller groups playing classical and jazz.

Large scale musical theatre productions became a yearly highlight running for several nights at the Redgrave Theatre, Clifton. With full sets to build, the CPA set up a workshop on campus building everything, including the monster plant (in several sizes) for Little Shop of Horrors.

The CPA put on classical concerts in the city, started a Big Band and a gospel choir. Every room in the building was furnished with a piano. The CPA grew to be an established and much-loved part of UWE Bristol life for students, staff and the community.

Stage full of performers - Hot Mikado — Hot Mikado 2007

2018

Building on this remarkable legacy, in 2018 the CPA changed its name to Centre for Music. It’s activities were expanded into commercial music, launching a hip-hop festival, battle of the bands and teaching for complete beginners.

A DJ booth and simple recording studio was created and laptops with music software were made available for any student to use, enabling more students and staff than ever to participate.

2024

Overwhelmed by demand, CFM relocated to the beautiful Farmhouse at the heart of Frenchay Campus. It now provides more music spaces and an even bigger dance space.

The Farmhouse, Frenchay Campus — The Farmhouse, new home of the CFM

“CFM cherishes its roots. UWE Orchestra and Big Band are attended by more students than ever. ‘Sing for wellbeing’ sessions added to the gospel and classical choirs, and a brand new UWE Brass Band launches this year, plus a full programme of concerts and workshops each year.”

Kat Branch, Head of CFM

The vision of arts participation for all is still at the heart of the Centre for Music. Check out our Centre for Music webpages (and even take a 360 virtual tour). And alumni are very welcome to be a member.