RHACC Valentine’s Open Mic

This year’s Valentine’s Open Mic at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College was a heartfelt celebration of creativity, courage and community.

Featuring performances from RHACC learners, staff and newcomers alike, the evening showcased an impressive range of talent – from live music and original poetry to stand-up comedy and even a mesmerising tai chi performance. Each act explored the theme of love, heartbreak, and everything in between, creating an atmosphere that was moving, joyful and at times beautifully unexpected.

More than just a performance night, the event brought people together in a supportive, welcoming space where creativity could be shared openly and confidently.

Don’t just take our word for it – here are some of the wonderful comments we received from people who joined us:

Cameron Khan (Foundation Acting Course)

Huge thanks to Adam Whitbread and RHACC for hosting such a brilliant open mic night. The atmosphere was welcoming and well run, and the standard of talent on display was genuinely impressive — a great mix of performers and styles that kept the whole evening engaging from start to finish.

It was also a fantastic opportunity for newcomers and first-timers to get up and have a go in a supportive space, which makes such a difference. Events like this really show how much creativity and confidence can grow when the right environment is created.

Already looking forward to the next one — highly recommended to anyone thinking of performing or just coming along to enjoy some excellent live talent.

Johnny Sheldon

I attended the Valentine’s Open Mic, held in the theatre at RHACC. I just wanted to express my gratitude to RHACC for such a wonderful evening, as good if not better than the one held in December 2025! The joy on the faces of performers and audience members was really something to experience. Also, I feel my mood has improved through attending these open mics, and I am sure that such opportunities are doing the same for others.

Peter

I recently took part in the open mic at Richmond College – it was a brilliant evening with so much variety, music, poetry, stand up comedy and Tai Chi. It gives us a wonderful opportunity to step up and perform in front of an audience, which some of us are not accustomed to. Congratulations and thanks must go to Adam who is doing a great job getting the performing arts classes performing – his enthusiasm and ability are a great asset to the college, thanks Adam! Thanks also to our tutor Andy for all his encouragement and performing with us – all in a great evening and I look forward to the next one!

Patrick Quinn

Thanks to all involved in this event on February 10. As a new student in the acoustic guitar improvers course it was very encouraging to see the performances of other more experienced players. Well done to all involved!