For three nights last week, Woodham Academy students entertained audiences with their production of “We Will Rock You”.
The musical, written by Ben Elton, is a tribute to the music of Queen. Now in its eleventh year in London’s West End, the show tells the story of Galileo. Together with his girlfriend, Scaramouche, Galileo sets out to save the world from the evils of computer generated pop. This involves breaking free from Radio Ga Ga, finding Somebody to Love and slaying the evil Killer Queen (Another One Bites the Dust).
All of the leading actors performed brilliantly – Rhys Kingston as Galileo, Victoria Gerlach as Scaramouche, William Kirton as Killer Queen and Francesca Porritt as Khashoggi. There were also tremendous performances from Keira Durham, Gaynor Lambert, Robyn Teasdale and Ryan Metcalfe as well as the Teen Queens and the chorus of Bohemians. However the highlight for many was the band, made up of current students, Alex Hindmoor, Callum Smith, Rhys Morton, Haydn MacLean, Amy Taylor, Abbie Finn, Rebekah Varty, together with two former students, Tom Bussey and Abbie Finn.
The last night’s audience, in a packed hall, included a group of visiting high school staff and students from Mo Steel in Florida. They were unable to believe that the oldest cast members were only 16 years old and enjoyed the production so much that they’ve booked to see it again when they visit London next week. Another audience member was overheard commenting “There’s more talent on stage at Woodham than in the whole of the X Factor”!
Mr. Bickerdike, Deputy Headteacher at Woodham Academy, said “Taking part in We Will Rock You will stay with these young people for the rest of their lives.”
He went on to thank all of those who had helped to make the show possible – the backstage crew of students and staff, the teachers responsible for the musical direction (Miss Jackson), vocal coaching (Mrs Taylor), stage direction (Mrs Drew and Miss Cheverall) and choreography (Miss Minervini). At this point, he was interrupted by Galileo (Rhys Kingston) who expressed the view of the students with the words “These women are fantastic.”
Headteacher, Christine Forsyth, said “Although tackling a full-scale musical is highly ambitious and involves a huge amount of rehearsal, the benefit to the students is immense. I am so fortunate to work with so many talented students and dedicated staff.”
