Sidcot Alumna Sarah Hunt (neé Brown) (S: 2002 – 2008) is the Founder of Accelerate Social and West End Coach. With a background in West End theatre and a passion for business and technology, Sarah currently helps ambitious professionals and small business owners enhance their online presence, generate more sales and achieve their personal and professional goals with practical and effective social strategies.

On leaving Sidcot after Sixth Form, Sarah headed to the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and completed a BA (Hons) in Music, Theatre and Entertainment Management. From here, London and the West End kicked off her captivating career in Theatre. Sarah worked for several well-known production companies including Disney and Cross Roads Live, first as a Production Assistant then a Production Manager working on The Lion King and more besides. In 2018 Sarah took up the role of General Manager for the National Theatre. In 2019, craving a new challenge, Sarah set up her own business - West End Coach - and in 2024 launched her second business Accelerate Social. Below, Sarah shares some of her Sidcot memories and career history with us.        

What did you enjoy most about your time at Sidcot?

It felt like being part of a big family! As a boarder at Newcombe House from age 12, I grew up at Sidcot and had amazing experiences in Music, Sports, and trips I wouldn’t have had otherwise, like Music tours to Italy and an Art tour to Barcelona.

What were your favourite classes?

Art with Mrs. Miller, Music with Bev King, and English with Mr. Bateman.

Which lessons were you less keen on?

Languages weren’t my strong suit!

What/who inspired you to follow a career in Music and Theatre?

Musical theatre was always a love of mine, starting with Andrew Lloyd Webber compilation albums that my dad and I listened to on our drives to and from Sidcot! At School, Bev King taught me to sing and always encouraged me to perform in shows and go on theatre trips to the Bristol Hippodrome. Though I loved performing, I was stronger at management and loved organising people and productions more. At first, I had my heart set on studying Architecture (hence my A Level choices in Maths and Physics!), but it was actually Cathy Pink, one of the Art teachers, who mentioned in passing that it was possible to study Arts Management. That changed everything for me! Soon after I applied to the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) on their Music, Theatre and Entertainment Management degree course.

How did your time at Sidcot prepare you for your career?

The close-knit, open-minded community at Sidcot was perfect prep for the lively arts world. I had great teachers who were supportive of my career switch too—everyone backed me when I chose to go to drama school, no questions asked!

What achievements are you most proud of, either in your career or personally?

Becoming a General Manager at London's National Theatre and managing a show that won multiple Olivier and Tony Awards is probably my career highlight. I’m also proud of starting my own creative coaching business during COVID and having the wild idea to book a one-way ticket to the Bahamas with my husband and four-month-old son to experience remote working! Now, I’m designing and launching a tech startup while pregnant with my second child, due in October 2024. I love taking on a new challenge!