Pupils razzle dazzle in Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury High School pupils brought the Spring term to a glittering end with their three night run of Chicago at the Walker Theatre at Theatre Severn.
More than 40 pupils from Year 10 and above starred in the production, performing all the well-known hits from the Broadway classic and bringing Chicago and its cell blocks to life right in the heart of Shrewsbury.
Characters Roxie Hart, Velma Kelly, Billy Flynn and Mama Morton were taken on by students Jazz Maddocks, Grace Inger, Brodi Ashton and Alicia France-Evans and whilst the dancers and actors on stage dazzled the audience, having a live band playing on stage further enhanced what was an exhilarating atmosphere.
High Drama productions at the School are keenly anticipated events on the annual school calendar and Chicago has everyone now talking about what next year’s production might be!
With pupils from years three to 13 having already taken over the Theatre for a two night Winter Dance production earlier in the term, many of the performers in Chicago demonstrated phenomenal stamina and enthusiasm throughout the term, balancing rehearsals with school work, exam revision, Winter Dance performances, concerts and their co-curricular activities.
Head of drama, Nick Jones, choreographer Irma Jones and Director of Music Maureen Powell Davies, who brought the production together, were thrilled with the dedication shown by all the students involved. H
eadteacher, Ms Sharrock, who joined the school in September praised the girls for their superb production of Chicago, along with the Drama department for their vision and ambition in offering the girls such a fabulous opportunity.
The girls received rave reviews, “We are so impressed with the quality and precision of the performance. We have seen these girls, some from Prep school days, grow their skills and develop a real confidence in their abilities whether that is singing, acting, dancing or costume/prop/stage management.
Mr and Mrs Jones and their crew have worked wonders with them and I for one could watch this performance again and again. Please pass on to all involved our thanks and congratulations for this great event. We are so proud of the School and all it does for our children”.
Another member of the audience, who is not linked to the school, also wrote “I just wanted to say how wonderful the performance of Chicago was last night and to ask if you could pass on my congratulations to everyone involved.
"It was one of the most professional performances by a young group I have ever seen and both my mother and I thought it was just great. To have live music just made it and I know how much hard work it is for a band who are often the unsung heroes of such performances. I am really looking forward to the next performance the girls do and will definitely be booking early again in order to secure a seat!!”
As the Summer Term approaches, House Drama will take centre stage as girls from year seven to 13 work together to compete for the House Drama Cup! Visit www.shrewsburyhigh.gdst.net to find out more.
