Skip to main contentEnter
Purposeful journalism for people who care about our town
Ipswich.co.uk logoSupport our journalism
Feature

Sisters choose performing arts school over Taylor Swift concert after brain tumour battle

Two Ipswich sisters have shown extraordinary dedication to their performing arts school by giving up Taylor Swift concert tickets to appear in their annual show, with younger sister Alice fulfilling her goal despite battling a brain tumour.

Why it matters: For Alice, performing in the show represented a personal goal she set herself after receiving her brain tumour diagnosis, making this year's performance especially significant.

The big picture: Both sisters have attended Stagecoach Performing Arts Ipswich for eight years, joining 70 other students in this year's annual performance.

Rebecca and Alice at Stage Coach Ipswich
Stagecoach
Rebecca and little sister Alice before the Stagecoach Summer show performance

A family's journey: Their mum Alex has seen firsthand what the stage school means to her daughters.

"Stagecoach has literally kept my girls going over the last three and a half years," she said. "It's something safe, and certain, in a world which can sometimes feel anything but for Rebecca and Alice."

What drives them: While Alice sometimes finds social settings challenging since her diagnosis, she remains determined to perform. Meanwhile, Rebecca says the school has helped her stay connected with friends and manage everyday worries.

Their principal Sarah has watched both sisters develop over the years: "Having seen Rebecca and Alice grow in our school over the last eight years, I can see first hand how performing arts has made a huge difference to their lives, including through the recent very difficult times."

Alice at Stagecoach Ipswich with her classmates
Stagecoach
Alice at Stagecoach Ipswich with her classmates

The bottom line: While Taylor Swift plays to packed arenas worldwide, for these Ipswich sisters the real spotlight shines on the stage they call home. Visit https://www.stagecoach.co.uk/ipswich for more information about Stagecoach.

Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of All About Hearing , Start, Build & Grow and Ipswich School

Russell Osman having his ears checked by All About Hearing audiologist and co-director, Karen Finch

Exceptional hearing care with a personal touch

Suffolk’s independent hearing specialists, combining expert care, cutting-edge technology and personalised service to help you hear at your best.
Start, Build & Grow logo

Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?

If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.
Feature

What's on in Ipswich this Christmas: Your guide to festive shows

From traditional pantomimes at the Regent and New Wolsey Theatre to dance adaptations of classic tales and cinema screenings, Ipswich venues are offering entertainment for all ages throughout the festive season.
by
Continue reading →

All About Hearing , Start, Build & Grow and Ipswich School

Russell Osman having his ears checked by All About Hearing audiologist and co-director, Karen Finch

Exceptional hearing care with a personal touch

Suffolk’s independent hearing specialists, combining expert care, cutting-edge technology and personalised service to help you hear at your best.
Start, Build & Grow logo

Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?

If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.
News

Persimmon Homes buys land for 465 new homes in Ipswich

Persimmon Homes Suffolk has completed the purchase of land at Henley Gate, marking the housebuilder's return to Ipswich after several years, with plans to deliver 465 new homes.
by
Continue reading →
News

Ipswich man jailed for five years after rape conviction

Leon Thomas, 53, formerly of Farina Close in Ipswich, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday after a jury found him guilty of raping a woman he knew.
by
Continue reading →

All About Hearing , Start, Build & Grow and Ipswich School

Russell Osman having his ears checked by All About Hearing audiologist and co-director, Karen Finch

Exceptional hearing care with a personal touch

Suffolk’s independent hearing specialists, combining expert care, cutting-edge technology and personalised service to help you hear at your best.
Start, Build & Grow logo

Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?

If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.
News

Suffolk and Norfolk mayoral elections to be delayed by two years

The government is expected to announce today that it will postpone planned elections for a new Suffolk and Norfolk mayor from May 2026 to 2028, marking the second delay to democratic processes in the region this year.
by
Continue reading →
Load more content
Our content is free to read thanks to
Our content is free to read thanks to
Our content is free to read thanks to
Want our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday?

Have you subscribed to our free weekly newsletter?

If you haven’t, you really should. You’ll get our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday afternoon, just in time for the weekend. You can unsubscribe at any time, although 99.7% of people don’t.

  • Lee Walker
  • Joe Bailey of Brighten the Corners
  • Mark Hubert
6,630+ people are already loving it