Summer Showcase – Sound of Summer

An impressive evening of talent, ability, awe, wonder, beauty, spectacle, and specialness; the personal references were very touching – I cannot thank enough everyone who was involved. The dedication, commitment, and talent of all members of staff involved provides the platform on which our children shine through dance, presentation, song, and performance that transports us to a special place – I feel privileged that I have been allowed to experience this on every occasion.

I wish to thank everyone involved in not just this summer showcase but in every showcase I have had the pleasure to attend and experience. There are many members of staff to thank but some need a special mention – Miss Gaukroger, Mr Parrish, Mrs Rodgers, Mr Pratt, Miss Furssedonn-Coates, Miss Chatburn and Mrs Robinson. I very much appreciate this showcase had some special touches as a reminder of my experience within the Arts over the years and I wish to thank Mrs Robinson for her organisation, care, and the clever seg-way between the acts who with Ms Docherty, ensured just the right amount of fuss. As always, the backstage crew ensure the performances appear effortless, staging, sound and lighting – fantastic teams who help bring performances to life.

As always, it is the ensemble cast that has swelled in number and continues to deliver energy and sheer pleasure in taking part – they are a perfect assemblage containing gems of talent in their own right and future talent getting ready to take centre stage. There are too many to name individually, you just have to read the programme to get a sense of the breadth and diversity. Once again, there were many stand out performances some of which brought laughter and tears of sadness and happiness.

From the opening act of Year 9 Dance, Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles, an early memory of listening to a “45” record on a high fidelity was brought up to date through a clever interpretation – and we got to see a second version in Legacy Dance that was even more stunning. The choir gave us a sense of fun and enjoyment in singing the Bare Necessities. The school band, so professional, with an impressive array of instruments took me back to another early memory of when I played both the cornet and trumpet and learned to play the theme from James Bond – Lewis B was once again, so cool on bass. Then came a presentation of Year 7 Art who interpreted the musical talent of Ziggy Stardust. Back down to earth with an extract from Our Day Out allowed Sam M, Jude A, and Thomas W to bring us laughter with their comic timing, expression, and delivery – who knew Jude could be such a tyrant teacher.

A throwback to the eighties with Sweet Dreams (Are made of this)  was so coolly delivered by our Post 16 Band and Ashleigh B’s vocals on point. The Senior Choir brought joy with their Abba Medley. Katie D owned the stage with her rendition of Son of a Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield – whatever Katie sings is unique; she has the ability to draw you in.

The Musical Mega-Mix was fantastic and a brilliant reminder of the breadth of shows over the years and the musical theatre talent that is in abundance, but it was Jack W as Joseph (so confident and believable), Jed W as Fagin (not to be trusted but endearing), Alex B as Elvis of Egypt (hilariously fantastic), along with Megan I as Nancy (a woman in control), Josh H as the Tavern Owner (a generous host) and Tilly M as Matilda (a musical theatre star) reminded us of how to be that someone else and entertain, captivate and make us feel good – in awe of their talent.

It was Lauren S that broke the tears with her amazing performance as Nancy, singing, When He Needs Me, the power of her voice and genuine emotion is stunning. A swelling of pride came next seeing Thomas W fill not only the stage but the whole Hall with his presence and charisma, as Jamie, singing Spotlight. Tilly M gave another powerful and understated performance poignantly singing Electricity from Billy Elliot.

The choir returned with two gentle songs before we were hit by the full force of Year 8 Band and their brilliant rendition of Believer by Imagine Dragons – two drummers, three singers and another cool bass guitarist – the arrangement was great. Legacy Dance and Year 9 Dance gave two very different yet powerful performances, one witty and playful evoking the “groove” of the era, in contrast to Year 9 who conveyed the impact of war on children with such control, feeling and emotion – so palpable.

Such a heart-warming act next with the ensemble of children from our Resourced Provision singing and signing, Hit the Road Jack, this time the original version by Ray Charles. Their togetherness and confidence and sheer enjoyment made the tears roll once more – such special young people doing special things. Then, as if emotions of happiness and poignancy were not enough, came Florence M and a terrific version of Coldplay’s Sky full of stars – great stage presence as she got the crowd clapping and cheering then listening to her every note. All moments to remember.

Not listed on the programme came the finale and Jack W leading the whole ensemble of acts on stage with a heart-felt version of My Way – words that resonate as headteacher of a brilliant school with brilliant people – who will ever forget what children are capable of, what they do and what they give us. Jack, the ultimate professional performer who can perform all genres with style and confidence made me grateful that I have been headteacher of a school where we are together, resilient, ambitious and above all caring. Thank you all for the many happy and ever-lasting memories.

Ian Morrel