The Greatest Show on Earth

Parents and pupils crammed into the Sports Hall last Friday for the annual musical presented by Forms 3, 4 and 5. With a title such as The Greatest Show on Earth, there was certainly a high expectation – and the cast rose to the challenge magnificently and gave a really top performance, which was enjoyed by everyone present.

The show is based on the traditional nativity story, but set in the exciting world of the circus – as we were informed during the welcome from ringmaster, Angus Robison. One of the “three kings”, Julia Tyndall’s Caspar, set the scene with some lovely singing, before the Form 4 chorus kicked off the show proper with ‘And So Begins Our Story’.

Next, some fine acting by our very own Mary and Joseph, played by Cassia Roberts and Jamie Farr; especially well done to Jamie, who came on despite cracking his head open the day before. The show must go on!

A very dramatic song, and spectacular performance, from Jemima Black’s King Herod who proved just how vile she really could be. Mr Pinchin-Hughes was was beginning to look pretty scared, but fortunately relief was at hand – in the form of the clowns’ scene. Rosie Barnes, Matilda Laird, Miranda Strang Steel and Theo Weir brought the house down in this mix of mime, slapstick and custard pies. Thanks in particular to Miranda for stepping in at the last minute to cover for illness.

The Form 5 chorus were next in the spotlight in ‘S.P.Q.R.’, which introduced the platoon of soldiers under Sergeant Freddie Woodd. More laughs here, and in the pub scene – the ease with which Alistair Prenter slipped into his role as the barman was uncanny!

Cassia sang another beautiful number before the full chorus took us from the birth of Jesus through the death of Herod to the end of the show, in spectacular style. Forms 3, 4 and 5 nearly drowned out Mr Gale’s voice!

I'm sure everyone will agree with me that the show was really excellent. A big thank you to the musical director Mr Gale, the producers Mr Pinchin-Hughes and Mrs Parks, the costumes and make-up team Mrs Gale, Mrs Pinchin-Hughes and Mrs MacAleese and of course thank you to Mrs Curry for providing such a wonderful backdrop for the stage.

Thanks also to the band, which consisted of Mr Gale at the keys, Gordon Williamson on the kit and a mysterious local bass player.