Parents were treated to two evenings of fantastic entertainment as S.Anselm's put on performance of 'Hoodwinked' (years 4, 5 and 6), 'Where is Christmas?' (year 3) and a Drama and Music Scholars' Showcase on the evenings of Thursday 24 and Friday 25 November.
On the Thursday evening, Year 3 opened up the performance with 'Where is Christmas?', a beautiful musical written by our Head of Learning Support, Christine Franklin. The quality of the singing and acting was a joy to see as the 20 year 3 pupils all played their part. There were some solo songs, chorus songs and some instrumental pieces for all to enjoy. Well done to all the pupils, and thank you to Christine Franklin for writing the musical and directing it.
On the Friday evening, the performance opened with our Drama and Music Scholars. Pupils who are keen to earn a Drama or Music Scholarship at a Senior School are expected to be of a very high standard, and have to demonstrate this through their performances. The Showcase gave the pupils from years 7 and 8 an opportunity to perform to a arge audience, and perform they did! The Drama scholars - Gabriella N, George S, Ella N, Lewis J, Poppy S and Zara P - presented pieces as wide-ranging as Roald Dahl and Frances Hodgson Burnett, with the precision, energy and character that can serve as an example to all aspiring drama scholars. The musicians - Isobel H and Isaac S performed one piece on each of their three instruments. For those taking scholarship exams next term, we wish them every success.
The second half of both evenings featured all the pupils in years 4, 5 and 6 in a performance of Margaret Carpenter's "Hoodwinked". This hour-long extravaganza gave all pupils their opportunity on the stage, with numerous speaking parts, big chorus songs and a handful of solo singing opportunities. The aim of the production was to make the cast feel 'as one', and as the applause rattled around the Hargreaves Hall during the curtain call, there was definitely a feeling of unity.
The production was my first as Director of Performing Arts and Helen Hunter's first as Head of Drama, and I am delighted to be able to pay public tribute to Helen's first term with us here at S.Anselm's. She has made an immediate impact and with a year 7 play planned for next term and the big musical for year 8 in the final term, life will be as exciting and busy as ever. Thank you, Helen.
Finally, I am in the process already of editing the DVD recording of the 2 nights. DVDs will be available immediately after the Christmas break, and can be ordered by emailing jon.weller@anselms.co.uk. There will be a small amount put on the bill to cover costs. The DVD will feature all three performances.
Posted on
Sat, November 26, 2011
by JPW