A fantastic evening of Musical Theatre brilliance

The recent Musical Theatre Evening was exhilarating- a vibrant celebration of Musical Theatre that left the audience uplifted, and quite emotional. Our singers demonstrated exceptional vocal talent through a dazzling array of musical numbers from beloved shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Grease, Blood Brothers, Company, Six, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, and many more.

Each performance brought something special to the stage with the passion and dedication of the singers so apparent. Highlights included a hauntingly powerful rendition from Phantom of the Opera, an original version of There Are Worse Things I Could Do from Grease, and a deeply moving piece from Blood Brothers. From the satirical sharpness of Company to the historical sass of Six, the variety and quality of performances were truly remarkable.

The first half of the concert served as a rich tapestry of musical theatre genres and demonstrated the versatility of the singers. The accompaniment by the skilled staff band elevated each performance to professional heights, blending seamlessly with the soloists.

The second half of the evening was dedicated entirely to the modern classic Wicked. The iconic score allowed the singers to soar. The finale, “Defying Gravity,” brought the house down. Sung by Upper Sixth pupil Zoe T, it was a show-stopping moment that would not have been out of place on a West End stage. The performance, bolstered by the Chamber Choir, was powerful, and striking and the applause that followed was rapturous and well deserved.

Adding a touch of West End glamour was the evening’s special guest host, Annalene Beechey. A seasoned performer with a wealth of experience, Beechey brought charm, warmth, and a genuine enthusiasm that helped tie the whole event together. Her presence was both inspirational for the singers and a treat for the audience.

In addition to the musical achievements, the evening also had a philanthropic element, raising funds for St John’s Primary School’s music programme. Their music teacher delivered an inspiring speech about the importance of arts education and the transformative power of music, reminding everyone of the broader purpose behind the performances.

The evening was a testament to the hard work of the students and staff, including Visiting Music Teachers, and a joyous reminder of the power of live performance. It was a great way to close the half term.