Wellacre's Christmas Production

Posted at 3:39 pm on 12th December, 2018

'We Will Rock You!'

Wellacre students brought down the house with their Christmas production of Ben Elton’s “We Will Rock you!”

More than 150 actors, singers, musicians, stage designers and technicians from across all year groups brought the show to life on it’s three night run from Tuesday 4th December till Thursday 6th December.  

Mrs.Spencer, SENDCo/Music teacher and Mrs Tickle, Teacher of Performing Arts, produced and directed the show with students and staff working tirelessly in rehearsals and production as soon as they started back in September!

Mrs Spencer said:

“This is my 16th Wellacre show and the boys continue to amaze me every year with their talent and dedication.  I’m so proud of them all. This is, by far, one of the best productions Wellacre has ever done. We’re looking forward to next year’s show now!”

The main cast featured Joe (Year 10) as Galileo; Jake (Year 9) as Scaramouche, Oliver (Year 11) as Killer Queen, Connor (Year 11) as Khashoggi, Christian (Year 8) as Britney, Edward (Year 9) as Meat, Sean (Year 11) as Pop and Lee (Year 11) as Freddie.

Set in the future where conformity rules, a group of freedom fighters battle to restore live music.  The audience ‘rocked out’ alongside the cast to some of Queen’s greatest hits, including ‘Under Pressure’, ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ and, of course, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’

In the audience was former student Daniel Rhodes who, of all students, has starred in the most number of Wellacre productions, racking up seven shows including Wizard of Oz, West Side Story and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! He has recently graduated with a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts and is to join Thomas Cook as an Overseas Activities and Entertainment Representative.

Daniel said:

“I really enjoyed the show! It is one of few musicals I haven’t seen yet, so it was good to see it for the first time at Wellacre.”

Positive messages flooded in from the community following the shows.  One parent on social media said:

“Wow, what can I say? It was absolutely fab; an amazing, talented bunch! It was lovely to see teachers in it too, they were hilarious! Miss Spencer, Miss Tickle and backstage crew and cast, just ‘wow’.  Thank you and well done!”

Another audience member contacted Wellacre to say:

“I just wanted to let you know that we were overwhelmed by the fantastic, professional performances by the boys at Wellacre.  We thoroughly enjoyed the music, singing and dancing and were impressed by the dedication of the staff and pupils to present such complex and intricate production.”

Wellacre's Chair of Governors, Mr Tonge, added:

"Big congratulations to all involved in the school production. Great live music and really outstanding singing and acting, with tremendous individual performances and smooth backstage operations . I was struck by the confidence and stage presence of these lads. I really enjoyed it. A high bar has been set for next year!"