Students from across the Foundation wowed audiences with their sell-out performance of Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s Carousel on Friday 9th February, bringing an end to months of hard work in rehearsals going back as far as September. It was a poignant ending to a show week where one of the three performances was unavoidably cancelled, due to the closure of the Foundation on Thursday with the wintry conditions. Students had been understandably heartbroken to lose one of their opportunities to perform this exceptional musical, but the resulting atmosphere on the last night was suitably charged for an emotional rendering of a story whose main theme is hope!

The cast and crew had worked tirelessly over the previous two weekends to make sure that the show would run smoothly and, accompanied by the wonderful orchestra led by Musical Director Mr Meredith, the performance demonstrated the selflessness and collective mindedness of our wonderfully talented young people. 

There were great performances by everyone but particular mention should go to a few standout portrayals. Mae (Y10) as Julie Jordan perfectly embodied the strong compassion at the heart of relationship with troubled Billy Bigelow. Bella (Y11) entranced audiences with her effortless vocals as Carrie Pipperedge, while Amelie (Y10) showed the range to deliver both the knowing innuendo of ‘June is Busting Out All Over’ before the delicate beauty of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone” had most of the audience in floods of tears! 

There was sterling support from Evie (Y9) as the cantankerous Mrs Mullin, while Emily (Y11) brought the necessary moral gravitas to the story as the celestial Starkeeper, ably supported by Alana (Y9) and Isabella (Y11) as the Heavenly Friends. Matilda (Y11) demonstrated her sublime dancing skills in an impeccable ballet as Louise Bigelow. 

There were so many staff toiling behind the scenes in support of this endeavour, but special mention must go to visiting choreographer Katy Ray for the wonderful movement sequences. Mr Noble and Mr Royle provided flawless sound and lighting, while Dr Durrell made sure our stage crew could operate safely with the myriad props needed for this complex play.

Thank you also for our wonderful parents who supported their sons and daughters through another Herculean effort! You should be very proud of what they have achieved – I know I am!

For more photos: Carousel photo album

Mr S Besford 

Foundation Director of Drama