In the last week of Term 3 over 100 incredibly creative individuals pulled off the most successful whole school musical production (most definitely since I have been here since 2011, possibly the best in the school’s history!) ‘Oliver!’ was simply outstanding! A total of 988 people watched the show that week; each audience were bursting with praise and enthusiasm. Their support was fabulous.


The most spectacular aspect of producing a whole school production is the variety of skills and talents that are drawn on. The most obvious are the incredible performers on stage, who wowed us time and time again throughout this year’s process, but it is not fair to only pay tribute to those ‘in the lime light’, as the back stage crew, technical team, costume department, and creative team are all key in ensuring the success and standard of the shows produced here, at Matravers. It is no exaggeration to say that our shows rival the best schools in the country; the talent we have amongst our performing artists is exceptional, making the directors and producers immensely proud. I count myself very lucky to be surrounded by such an exceptional staff team, without whom the productions would suffer.


Joey Medway reaffirmed why he won Performing Artist of the Year in 2016, with his interpretation in the role of Fagin. The maturity, commitment, characterisation and delivery within this role was astounding. During the interval of the Tuesday night performance, I was asked “Is Fagin played by a teacher?” No, just a very accomplished and skilled performer! Not only is Joey a wonder to watch on the stage, but he is a natural team leader, demonstrating to the whole cast, but particularly Fagin’s Gang, what we expect and aim for in our productions.


In 2016 Charlie Waller was flung into the world of New York’s Performing Arts School (‘Fame’) at the last minute, playing the role of Lambchops with enthusiasm and energy; this year she progressed to the female lead of Nancy, and in brilliant fashion. Charlie has a raw talent for performance, which has been a pleasure to work with; I hope it takes her far.


There are a number of other stand out names who shone throughout the shows: Sam Veall as the cheeky Artful Dodger; Callum Sinden as orphan Oliver; Cameron Sinden as the sneering Mr Sowerberry; and many, many more. I would like to congratulate two young men who we, as the creative team, often talked about in rehearsal: Will Robinson and Matthew Clinch, both of whom are new to the musical family, but always focused, always committed and performing to the absolute max! Will’s portrayal of Bill Sykes was terrifying! Lewis Best deserves a mention for standing in as the Artful Dodger when Sam Veall was ailing; no complaints, or questions, Lewis took up the script and began learning, which included performing the role during promotion assemblies the week before show week.


This is the first year that we have incorporated younger performers from our feeder primary schools into our cast. The professionalism and commitment of these students and their attendance at rehearsals made the venture a success, and the opening of the show rather cute! Forty one primary students were involved, and guided greatly by Cassidy Hill, Anna-Rose Darmon and Kirsten Wheeler, who are wonderful ambassadors for the school.


In my address and ‘thank you’ after Friday night’s performance I referred to Matravers’ Core Values, highlighting how our cast and crew fulfilled each with ease and abundance during the process of creating this production. Creativity, success, happiness, dynamism, resilience and ambition, were evident by the bucket load! Each and every member involved should be incredibly proud of their achievements, the result of months of hard work.


Mrs Walker, Teacher of Drama


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