It’s been a long time since our schools have been graced with the magic of jazz hands and musical numbers, but the opening night of Ely College’s first whole school musical was a ROCKING success as students smashed all expectations with an awesome showcase of talent.
With over 150 students taking part, the College’s decision to put Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘School of Rock’ on as a school production was an easy one; as their first school musical in a while, it is fun, witty, involves fantastic music and provided a wonderful opportunity to get as many students involved in the arts as possible.
Jonathan Newsome, Musical Director and Head of Music at Ely College, said: “Such high levels of student participation and the commitment they have shown is a testimony to the vision and ethos of the college; to provide the most enriching educational experience we possibly can. The students have, in turn, shared this with our exceptional community over three show nights!”
Catherine Seymour, Head of Drama at Ely College also directed and produced the show and commented on the array of talent at the college: “We can honestly say it has been an absolute pleasure to work with such a talented, enthusiastic and inspiring group of young people. These kids are going to have their names in lights one day! They have shown exceptional resilience during what has been the most challenging of circumstances, supporting each other and coming together to put on this amazing production.”
The musical, based on the 2003 comedy film starring Jack Black, features new music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber as well as lyrics by Glenn Slater and script by Julian Fellowes. With Year 10 student Alfie McCreadie smashing the leading role, it follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn money by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There, he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, helping her rediscover the wild child within.
With what was described as ‘roof raising energy’ and seats limited due to Covid measures, parents and community members lucky enough to get a ticket had rave reviews to offer as they came down from the highs of such a spectacular show: “[I emailed] to say how brilliant it was and how blown away we were with the level of talent, from the acting and singing to the musicians and the behind the scenes team. The children were all incredible and the hours that they have put in to achieve such a high standard was evident. The dedication of your staff is always something we appreciate and it is clear that those staff members involved in this production have gone above and beyond to organise every little detail.”
More photos and the full cast list can be found on the Ely College website: https://www.elycollege.com/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=1255
Rumour has it that Swavesey Village College are also working on their next musical, Beauty and the Beast, with students kicking off the winter term with a set of fantastic auditions. Live theatre is well and truly back in our schools and we couldn’t be more excited.
