Following the success of a debut event last year, which saw performances from the Music, Dance and Drama departments combine with an exhibition of student artwork, this year’s production followed a similar template in celebration of another successful year for the school’s aspiring musicians, singers, dancers, actors and artists.  

Organised by Teacher of Music, Lewis Fryer, the showcase featured over sixty performers and the work of approximately forty young artists from across all years of the school.

Reflecting on the success of the evening, Lewis said: “A huge congratulations to everyone involved in the Summer Showcase 2024. All the hard work and preparation across Art, Dance, Drama and Music led to a spectacular evening of entertaining and truly memorable performances. The students were a credit to themselves and the school and should be immensely proud of their achievements.”

Jamie Hughes, Head of Creative Arts, added: “What a fantastic night! For the second year running, Lewis created an exceptional Creative Arts collaboration. The evening showcased the extensive and wide-ranging talents of our students, from singing and playing instruments, to dancing, acting and art.

“It is wonderful to once again see the Creative Arts faculty teaming up together to showcase the very best work across Years 7 to 11. The support that the students had for each other backstage, and respect they had for each of their respective disciplines, was wonderful to see.”

The event came towards the end of another busy year for the faculty which has seen the staging of two large-scale productions and a full complement of extra-curricular clubs and performance opportunities.

Following the success of previous productions, ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘School of Rock’, and ‘High School Musical’, the Creative Arts faculty this year branched out into the world of musical comedy for their amateur production of ‘The Addams Family Musical’.

Staged over three nights in March, the production highlighted the legacy of previous shows which was evidenced by the range of current, former and future students that were involved. This was most notable among the band where current students were joined by pupils from Patrington Primary School, alongside former students who had returned from college to perform.

The Addams Family was preceded in January by a dance show of 90s nostalgia in the shape of ‘Let’s get ready to Rhumble’ – a production which tapped into 90s fashion, film, music and TV for inspiration. Following a number of shows that featured a more theatrical slant, this production saw the return of a more traditional dance show format.

Much like its musical counterpart, ‘Let’s get ready to Rhmble’ also attracted former students back to help nurture and support the next generation of performers. Examples of such working are testament to the strength of the faculty, and the impact of Creative Arts on individuals and the school as a whole.

Head of Faculty, Jamie Hughes, added: “It has been a real pleasure to welcome back some of our former students who are keen to help inspire and support the next generation. This year has been another successful year for the faculty and I would like to thank all the staff and students who have contributed their time and talents towards its continuing success.

“As the faculty continues to expand its opportunities, I am in the process of planning something big for next year. Although I can’t share the specific details at this stage, I will say that each year we continue to be motivated to give our students the very best opportunities to perform exciting showcases in some excellent venues.”

ABOVE: The Creative Arts showcase provided students with an opportunity to perform on the stage at a professional venue. Among the performers, were members of the school’s cohort of dance students. 

ABOVE: Celebrating the breadth of talent and collaboration, the finale brought together musicians and dancers for a stunning end to the show. 

ABOVE: Aspiring musicians and singers were given an opportunity to perform as part of the showcase