On Tuesday, 12 February the Junior Drama Evening was held. It consisted of Year 7’s ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’ and Year 8’s interpretation of the story of Moses through dance. Year 9B performed ‘Red Hot Cinders’, a pantomime.  The ugly sisters put on quite a show with their ghastly make-up and horrific voices! Year 9C did their own version of Romeo & Juliet.
Thanks to Mr Truman and Mrs Prodrick for all their hard work and to Natasha Clark for doing the make-up.

Tiny Tim and the Cratchits plucked at our heart strings and the entire cast, with girls from Years 7 to 13, brought the story expertly to life.  Kezia, as Scrooge, was superb, portraying the miserable gentleman and eventually reformed character with great integrity.  She commanded the stage and her comic timing and charismatic presence carried the audience along from Christmas past to Christmas future. 

The sound effects, especially the squeaking door and the music added to the atmosphere as we journeyed along with Scrooge.  A splendid evening’s entertainment and to the cast and all the backstage crew we say ‘God bless them every one’!

For more pictures from A Christmas Carol, please click here

On 22 May LAMDA Bronze, Silver and Gold examinations were taken by Years 11, 12 & 13.

These examinations become progressively more difficult and any pass is to be celebrated. Passing the higher grades has now an added extra value because they attract UCAS points: valuable when it comes to applying for University. A Distinction at Gold, is worth more points than half an A Level!

The results of these examinations have been stunning this year. Out of 17 entrants, 5 achieved Distinctions (the highest) and 12 achieved Merits (just short of Distinction). Of the Distinctions two were awarded Gold Medals and three were awarded Bronze Medals.

Congratulations to all concerned.

The energy exuding from the cast headed by the sensational ‘Pirate King’ played by Lydia Bannister, and the dashing duty-bound
‘Frederick’, played by Maria McCarthy, gave the audience a night full of laughs and enjoyment.

What is clear is that both the teachers and the cast were dedicated to providing us with the best Beechwood performance to date. 

This charming musical is set in mythical Camelot and tells the story of King Arthur’s round table where “might is only used for right”. However, his chivalric dream is shattered when Lancelot and Guinevere fall in love against an advancing tide of dark supernatural forces.

A SPECIAL gala charity performance in aid of the Hospice in the Weald, launched Beechwood Sacred Heart School’s 2004 Christmas production, the much-loved musical Camelot.

The story, based on the enduring legend of King Arthur, was a huge hit when it was first staged in 1960, starring Richard Burton as King Arthur and Julie Andrews as Queen Guinevere. The film version proved equally popular, winning a host of awards.

“This is a mammoth production, both for the actors and the team building the enormous set,” said the director, Sandy Truman, Beechwood’s Head of English and Drama. “But it is a wonderful love story, with  memorable songs and a surprising amount of comedy. We are all really enjoying it.”

This hilarious play focuses on a diffident North Country widower who attempts to escape from his loneliness by joining the local amateur light operatic society.  By accident rather than design, he finds himself embroiled in romantic shenanigans and theatrical intrigue, which lead to his advance from a one-line part to the lead!

As the play progresses the author skillfully draws parallels between the play they are undertaking (“The Beggar’s Opera”) and the day-to-day activities of the cast who are performing it.

This musical play portrays life in a match factory in 1988 where conditions are hard – phosphorus filled air and strict discipline are the order of the day. 

Do the striking girls win through against the injustices of the callous management?