Award-winning actor, singer and dancer Hugh Sheridan performs at Loreto College’s 120-year Gala Ball

A former Adelaide identity turned award-winning actor and singer made an appearance at his old school’s 120-year celebration, and is helping some students get their big music break.

Hugh Sheridan went back to his old school last weekend, Loreto College at Marryatville.

The Los Angeles-based singer and four-time Logie winning actor arrived just before 6pm on Saturday evening, ready to perform at the school’s 120-year Gala Ball.

“I was on Talbot Grove looking around, thinking there’s not much going on here,” Hugh said.

“Eventually someone rang and told me I was supposed to be at Adelaide Oval.”

The accidental visit brought back memories of his time spent at the school from reception to Year 2.

Back then, the all-girls College also offered early years education for boys.

“I hadn’t been there since I was little and I remember everything being so big because I was so small,” Hugh says.

“I was looking into my old classroom from when I was in year 2 and really, really reminiscing.”

Hugh Sheridan performing at Loreto Gala Ball Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Hugh, one of Australia’s favourite entertainers, sang at the Gala, along with the Loreto’s senior vocal ensemble.

He was so impressed, he invited them to record with him this week for a Christmas album, to be released later this year.

“I was completely blown away by the choir, I just thought their voices were unbelievable, their level of understanding of music and their ability to do jazz totally blew me away,” he says.

“We ended up recording three songs and they were incredible.

“It was all very, very last minute. The girls came to the studio with very little clue of what they were doing, what they were singing, what was going on.

“When I was their age, I would have been absolutely petrified but they did such a good job.”

Loreto Performing Arts director Tim de Jong says it was a thrill for the students to be involved.

“It was quite surreal, I think the adrenaline kicked in and it was just a phenomenal experience,” Tim says.

“The one thing that really struck me was just how passionate Hugh was about this project, he was so engaged.

“That whole connection with his childhood school, he just really wanted this and that really shone through the whole day.”

Year 12 student Bella Killen, who’s hoping to enrol at Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music next year, says it was an insightful experience.

“It was quite eye opening especially for the girls who want to pursue a career in the music industry,” Bella said.

“We were put on the spot learning the pieces and the charts so it really connected us because we hard to work together even more than usual.

“Hugh was so lovely. All the girls really enjoyed his company and we hope he enjoyed ours as well.”

Reception student Hugh Sheridan with sister Heidi at Loreto College Picture: Supplied

Local musician and teacher Anthony Janus plays saxophone and flute for the album.

“He’s my best friend from when I was 5 years old and we met at Loreto,” Hugh says.

“He’s exceptionally good, he was the last one to record with me on Thursday night.”

For Hugh, the upcoming album is a nod to the hometown he adores.

“It was supposed to be recorded in Melbourne but at the last minute I said, ‘It’s Christmas, all the players I use are from Adelaide and they’re literally the best’,” he says.

“Growing up here where the Christmas pageant was, Carols by Candlelight, where my family is, the album’s instantly going to have better energy, something that has a lot of heart and soul in it.

“It’s been an emotional homecoming, and I think the albums going to be all the better for it.”

Hugh flew into Adelaide in December to perform at Carols by Candlelight and was to return to his LA home in February.

“With the fires though, everyone was saying don’t bother, you can’t breathe, you can’t drink the water,” Hugh says.

“My place got evacuated. Luckily my cat is safe, but I miss my cat very much.”

Singer Hugh Sheridan with the Loreto choir in the studio where he is recording a Christmas album. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe

He’ll head back to the US in the next week or 2, with mixed feelings.

“I’ve had the best time in Adelaide, all my favourite people are here,” he says.

“I’ll go back to LA and then I’ll just see what happens, I might be collecting my things to send back here.

“Were all living in a strange time. There’s so much unrest in the US at the moment, it might just be the Christmas album that brings me home.”

Hugh hopes the album will bring hope and joy to those who need it.

“I’m very excited that this year people, regardless of everything going on, will be able to enjoy this,” he says.

“Being in Australia and being in Adelaide of all places is a really good blessing to start with.

“I wanted the album to feel like it was South Australian, now it’s so much more than that because it’s got really deep roots for me.”

Originally published as Award-winning actor, singer and dancer Hugh Sheridan performs at Loreto College’s 120-year Gala Ball