Banish winter blues with technicolour show

It’s time to chase away the winter blues, with a production of Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat that’s guaranteed to brighten up the dark days of January.

Staged by the talented students of Springwood High School in King’s Lynn, performances of the Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice classic take place on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 January in the school’s Peter Hopkins Hall, and will also feature pupils from neighbouring primary school St Martha’s.

“Including the band, backstage and everything else – including St Martha’s – the production will involve around 125 people and well over 100 students,” said Robin Norman, Director of Music at Springwood, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“We have students backstage covering props and costumes, and also involved with the band, alongside local adult musicians.

“Joseph is scored for a primary school ‘chorus’, who have an integral part in the show. St Martha’s will be providing this through the students in their school choir. This will number over 20 from Years 5 and 6.”

Among the cast members are Callum Barber in the title role of Joseph and Hemi Grimsby as the Pharaoh, while the three narrators will be Charlize Mana-ay, Charlotte Norman, and Xara Smith.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is one of the most iconic shows of all time and was recently voted within the top ten musicals of all time,” continued Mr Norman, who is directing and producing the Springwood show.

“We try to do a production annually, but this is only the second one since before the pandemic. The last one was in February 2023, when we performed Beauty and the Beast.

“There are too many moments to name as highlights, but the show includes some of the best and most memorable show tunes, including ‘Any Dream Will Do’, ‘Close Every Door’, and ‘Jacob and Sons’.

“To be honest, seeing it all come together and the students shine is a huge highlight for those of us involved in the production.”

Members of Springwood staff working behind the scenes include Dance Teacher Dawn Paulo, Drama Teacher Georgia Littlemore, Music Teachers Neil Quinn and Thomas Burt, Technician Matt Austin, and Teacher Chloe Lister, along with St Martha’s Year 5 Teacher Sara-Jane Brennock.

Tickets for the show cost £8 for adults and £4 for under-18s, and early booking is advised.

“A musical production of any type is a wonderful experience for our school community,” added Mr Norman. “Nothing brings the whole school together like this, with so many staff members, subjects and students getting involved in some way.

“For all the students involved, this is something that they will never forget, and the buzz from performing is second to none. 

“The involvement of St Martha’s is something that we really appreciate, as this brings together two schools to further enhance the educational collaboration that is already present in this part of West Norfolk, both within the West Norfolk Academies Trust but also with all the schools that have students that then feed into our secondaries.

“We are so proud of what all the students involved have achieved, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank them and their parents for all their hard work. They are all stars!”

Joseph takes place at 6.30pm on 28 and 29 January at Springwood. For tickets, go to: www.ticketsource.co.uk/springwood-high-school-music-department.

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