LVS Ascot – Junior Performers Gain Standing Ovation From Sell-Out Theatre Audience
13 Jan 2017
Children as young as nine received a standing ovation from a packed theatre of 300 people as LVS Ascot staged the first night of its unique Oliver! musical on Thursday 1st December. The independent all-ability school broke new ground by putting on a production involving junior and senior school pupils together as Years 5 to 8 flourished as individuals and as a group on the school’s professional stage.
10-year-old Angus Culley was one of a number of juniors rewarded with leading roles, playing Mr Bumble alongside 9-year-olds Dylan Cameron (Oliver), William Thompson (Artful Dodger) and Taylor Clarke (Bill Sykes). Angus’ dad Andrew was impressed with his son and the cast as a whole, saying: “I was amazed how professional it was for a show with such young children in it, it really exceeded expectation. There was a great rapport and team spirit between them all and it will help the juniors integrate when they move up to LVS Ascot’s senior school. Their confidence shone through and that will help them go on to bigger things in future”.
There were no signs of first night nerves as the cast of almost sixty pupils exuded confidence, accompanied by a live soundtrack performed by the school’s music department. Pupils had been learning their lines and routines over half-term, and returned to a comprehensive schedule of rehearsals directed by LVS Ascot Principal Christine Cunniffe. Sixth formers gained valuable technical experience in stage management and as technical crew to support the production and make it a truly all-through school affair.
Charlotte Reid who played Fagin, 11 and from Bracknell, said: “Last year I was Head Girl at the Junior School and I’m glad I moved up to senior school as the opportunities such as Oliver! are amazing. I’m really proud of everyone who took part, especially the juniors”.
Principal Christine Cunniffe said: “The performance was amazing. To have children as young as nine putting on a two-hour production to hundreds of people under stage lighting just shows the confidence that we are able to successfully instil in our pupils. We teach them that the sky is the limit and they can achieve anything they set their mind to; tonight has shown that and I look forward to watching them thrive and flourish at their talents now they know they can do it. I can’t wait to see our talented juniors move up to senior school and be part of senior productions in future years”.
Photo: Dylan Cameron (Oliver Twist, left) with William Thompson (The Artful Dodger)