And so we have reached the end of another successful school production. Current emotional status: happy, sad, proud, exhausted – all at once!

As we start to return borrowed items, equipment and costumes (the bit no one thinks about when they start a show!), we are so unbelievably chuffed with the audience response to the production this year. Sold out on two nights, with only a handful of seats left empty on the first night (target for next year already forming!). The beautiful comments coming in from those that came to watch are just lovely. And a reminder why we all do it!

We couldn't be prouder of this year’s cast and crew. It’s been an immense journey and it’s always an absolute privilege seeing performers that start the process nervous and unsure, develop the skills and confidence, often supported by their peers, to step out on that stage and deliver top class characterisation and entertainment for delighted audiences.

We have discovered some new, fresh performers this year and are devastated to be bidding our senior cast members a farewell. This year’s show featured so many of our wonderful Year 11s that have attended and committed to rehearsals during exams and after the rest of their year group signed off back in June. We will miss them dearly. However, we remain optimistic that they will come back and help us out next year, like so many of our previous students did this year. It’s fabulous to be able to welcome alumni back and work alongside them as colleagues; we rarely see or hear from so many of them once they finish their GCSEs. To have a team of ex-students supporting the staff team, leading direction and choreography in rehearsals and managing the backstage and technical aspects of the show is a wonderful testament to the relationships we build whilst they are here and the passion they maintain for the arts beyond a secondary curriculum.

There have definitely been some weary faces around the building today, but behind that is a smile and sense of pride from everyone involved, kids all the way through to adults! For us, it’s always the best week of the school year, but we are looking forward to having a two-day weekend, free of the need to get up and drag ourselves in for a long sweaty rehearsal on Sunday.