'We’re proud of everyone' - Showbiz company marks 20 years in South Tyneside
Thousands of youngsters have sung, danced and acted there over the past two decades.
South Tyneside Academy of Musical Performance (STAMP) is marking 20 years of entertaining the borough with a series of special events.
The company was formed in 2006 and has members ranging in ages from three to people in their 20s.
Originally operating from Lord Blyton School in Simonside, they are now based on Frederick Street in South Shields where they have two dance studios.
Thousands of youngsters have loved performing with STAMP over the past two decades, with some going on the forge a professional career in the industry.
One of them is Daniel Shilling who is now technical and building manager at The Fire Station in Sunderland, but will still be around to co-direct the STAMP 2026 Christmas pantomime, Rapunzel at Brinkburn CIO on Harton Lane.
The company focuses mainly on singing, dancing and acting. Their most recent musical was Frozen and they have presented pantomimes for the past 10 years. They also do musical revues with random songs from the shows, variety shows and we run summer schools every year.
The anniversary is about celebrating the young people, families, volunteers and local community who have been part of STAMP over the last 20 years and looking at how the organisation has grown from 2006 to today.
Part of the celebrations is a gala dinner with entertainment provided by STAMP staff at the Holiday Inn in Boldon.
STAMP director Christopher Perry-McCourt said: “Some people have been with us for 20 years and have either gone on to work in the group or support it. Or they’ve gone on to professional careers in the industry and come back to support us or teach as well.
“We’re celebrating the thousands of young people who have come through our doors over the past 20 years. We’re proud of everyone who has been part of the group.
“We want to thank everyone who has supported us, because we’ve had a lot of support from local companies who have sponsored us. We’ve had help from charities like Community Corner and Cancer Connections, as well as the council.
Details of the black tie gala dinner are on the STAMP website, along with details of their shows.