School_Matters_Issue_35

35

Mrs Arora took on the enormous job of choreographing the show, a task made all the more challenging by the sheer scale of the production. She was perfectly supported by her assistant Amelie White, UVI. Miss Batt directed with aplomb, giving each pupil a clear understanding of character, bringing each role to life, and cultivating a true sense of pride and professionalism in each and every cast

The real stars of the show were the ensemble groups. The Orphan Ensemble demonstrated anarchy and delight in equal measure in ‘Hard Knock Life’ and ‘You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile’ while the NYC Dwellers brought the stage to life in the perfectly-managed chaos of ‘NYC’ as 1930s New York City was evoked in leafy Roehampton. The cast was supported by a virtuosic semi-professional band of pro musicians and pupils. All were held to the same standards and the pupils more than rose to the challenge. Well done Matilda Allard, S10 (flute and piccolo), Lottie Sanderson, PVI (violin and saxophone), and Amelie White, UVI (clarinet). Bravo, Mrs Rutter! She produced more than 100 bespoke costumes: a horde of orphans, an army of city folk and, of course, that iconic red dress. Mr Ward and Mr Baskett’s set design, production management, sound, lights, stage management, and so much more besides, made the show look sensational, assisted by a large, hard-working crew of pupils behind the scenes.

member. Thanks, too, to the fabulous pair of Assistant Directors, Maddy Hunter and Leo Hincks, UVI. Mr James Bartlett, Head of Expressive Arts [And alongside the cast, crew and production team enumerated by the show’s Musical Director above, the whole School extends its thanks and congratulations to Mr Bartlett for achieving a musical theatre triumph! – Ed.]