THE spotlight was on young actors at a North-East school as they took to the stage for a toe-tapping performance of Grease.
The Hummersknott Academy production featured more than 80 students from Year 7 to Year 10, and starred Maddison Parkinson as Sandy Dumbrowski, and Tom Smith as Danny Zuko.
The production was crewed and directed by Year 11 GCSE students Izzy Buckton, Sharna Clixby, Rama Rashed, Megan Chadwick, Ellie Bowles, Imogen Horely, and Alex Gordon. Drama teacher Paul Imerson assisted with directing, and Music teachers Amy Clark-Davies and George Ford took on the role of co-music directors. Dance numbers were choreographed by PE teacher Dawn Pilbeam.
Mr Ford praised the effort the students put in: “It’s great to see so many people at each show. It means a lot to the kids, they’ve been working really hard. It’s our first show as a new department this year, so we’re looking forward to it, and we hope everyone enjoys themselves, and says well done to the kids, they’ve done a really good job.”
Year 11 student and assistant director Sharna Clixby said: “It’s all very overwhelming. This is the last thing we’ll do as Hummersknott students before we leave, so, yeah, emotions are running pretty high tonight.
“It’s been an amazing experience working with all the cast, we’re all really proud of them, and I just hope they carry on taking part in Hummersknott shows in the future.”
Pupils rehearsed for months in preparation for the show, staying afterschool, and practising through lunchtimes.
Principal James Keating said: “I’m immensely proud of the cast and crew, it’s very clear that they’ve put a staggering effort into this production. It’s a brilliant climax to our GCSE Drama students’ studies, and I think all of us at Hummersknott can’t wait for the next show!”