Plantsbrook staged a musical filled with the music of Queen, and audiences went Ga-Ga for the ambitious show.
More than 90 Plantsbrook School pupils took to the school’s stage to perform We Will Rock You last night (Thursday, July 4), with full houses expected tonight and Saturday too.
The musical, which features the music of Queen and was written by comedian Ben Elton, is set in a dystopian future where rock music has been banned by an evil ‘Killer Queen’ and her followers, the clone-like ‘Ga-Gas’.
It’s up to a tribe of rebel rockers called the Bohemians and a young couple – Galileo and Scaramouche – to bring music back to a society where all musical instruments are banned.
The school’s renowned orchestra provides live music for the show, which boasts impressive sets and ambitious staging.
Plantsbrook staged a musical full of ambition
Teacher Jo Burns is one of a team of staff who have dedicated time to the production since they first began auditions in January.
We Will Rock You at Plantsbrook School
“The children have worked really, really hard on this,” she said, “they have attended rehearsals at the weekends and after school and the show expects a lot of them – they have to sing dance and act.
“We’ve got some really strong performers at the school but it has been a real team effort, from the cast to the orchestra and the backstage team, who are all pupils too.”
“The kids hugely benefit from taking part in big productions like this,” Mrs Burns added, “and this is one of the things they will always remember when they leave Plantsbrook. It’s about developing their skills and confidence, but it’s also about making memories,”
– Jo Burns
For the performances, the staff, orchestra and backstage team will all be dressing in the Bohemians’ leather jackets, jeans and wild hair.
“The kids hugely benefit from taking part in big productions like this,” Mrs Burns added, “and this is one of the things they will always remember when they leave Plantsbrook. It’s about developing their skills and confidence, but it’s also about making memories.”
For more about Plantsbrook, click here.