Hazlegrove Year 8s create their end of school play from scratch in nine days

Hazlegrove Year 8 pupils finished their time at the Prep School in tremendous style as they put on a production from scratch in just nine days. The production was based on the books of Charles Dickens combined with music from the 1960s.

Fifty-one children took part in the performance of Here Comes the Sun which featured well known songs such as ‘All You Need is Love’, ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ and ‘Walking on Sunshine’. From costume design to merchandise, backstage crew to performing as the stars of the future, the children celebrated finishing their examinations by creating a breathtaking performance for the rest of the School’s community. The Head of Drama, Mrs Kimberly Arnold, said, ‘Drama at Hazlegrove is a priority and, for all those fortunate enough to have witnessed one of our Year 8 productions, it is obvious why. Our children are brave, uninhibited, resilient and dynamic. By the time they leave Hazlegrove they can all dance, sing and act. They can talk with ease to prospective parents, younger children and the elderly in our community with an unpretentious confidence. They are wonderful and I am constantly overwhelmed by their talent and enthusiasm.’

The full 90-minute show was staged and choreographed from scratch once the Year 8 children had finished their examinations. Each scene and routine was carefully but hastily put together each day, only to be revisited during the final few hours of production week when the children had already performed the dress rehearsal to the rest of the School.

All of the proceeds from the show’s merchandise were donated to The Yeovil Community Arts Association, chosen by the pupils due to its commitment to helping young people get involved with the arts and the theatre.

Mrs Arnold adds, ‘There are two fundamental ingredients in getting this production done each year and, thankfully, it works every time. Firstly, our enthusiastic and gifted children. They are completely on side from day one and commit themselves fully to the task at hand.

‘Secondly, a team of incredibly dedicated and loving staff. They are passionate about our pupils and ultimately it is their happiness and self-esteem that drives this all.’