Drama enthusiasts in Years 9 and 10 joined the entire Lower
School for the 2015 junior school production of Oliver! Months of preparation,
including line-learning, countless rehearsals and weeks of fine-tuning,
culminated in seven superb sold-out shows in the Tithe Barn. The performances
received a rapturous reception from parents and teachers in the audience, as
the pupils’ hard work yielded a hugely entertaining spectacle.
Unprecedented demand for tickets led to a number of
additional matinee performances being hastily arranged, adding to an already
busy timetable of shows over the week. The pupils made light work of the
demanding schedule, with no signs of fatigue as they served up brilliant
entertainment night after night. The show earned rave reviews from teaching
staff on Twitter, with Mrs Satch ‘blown away by our fabulous superstars’ and Mr
Alcock describing it as a ‘scintillating production’.
Main characters Luke Mullin (Oliver) and Alfie Sheppard
(Fagin) were praised by directors Miss Jenny Unwin and Mrs Sian Pearson for
their displays, with convincing acting coupled with faultless solos. Luke and
Alfie were ably supported by Matty Fitzgerald (Artful Dodger), Henry Hancock
(Nancy) and Will Bailey (Bill Sykes). Several other soloists performed
confidently throughout the musical, accompanied by a number of strong group
songs. The choreography and sheer volume of the singing were equally
impressive. Many boys were required to play female roles, but handled the task admirably,
often instigating rapturous applause and laughter from the crowd.
As well as the efforts of our pupils, audience members were
hugely impressed with the set designs and costumes. We would like to extend a
special thank you to Mrs Sutherland for all her work on the costumes, as well
as fellow parents Mrs Mullin, Mrs Scott-Ely, Mrs Lowe, Mrs Neale, Mrs Greenham,
Mrs Parton, Mrs Beaucamp and Mrs Szweda, all of whom played a crucial role in
making the show such a roaring success. The Drama Department would also like to
thank Mrs Louise Rapple-Moore for her help in arranging the musical elements of
the show, and of course accompanying the boys on the piano.
Headmaster Mr Davies commented: ‘From the first scene
onwards, the boys put on a fabulous show. The Lower School group scenes had infectious
energy, and immediately captured the attention of the audience. I was particularly
impressed by Alfie Sheppard, who remained in character at all times, and Henry
Hancock, who had the audience in the palm of his hand with his portrayal of Nancy.
Even though we all knew the story of Oliver, we were still devastated when Bill
struck her (him) down. I would like to thank Mrs Pearson and Miss Unwin for
their considerable efforts in bringing the show together. Well done to all
involved!’
More photos from the production can be viewed in our Media Gallery.