Danetree School pupils take centre stage at Epsom Playhouse

Pupils from Danetree Junior School in West Ewell took to the stage of the Epsom Playhouse this week to tell a paying audience how hard and miserable their lives are – as parents and teachers looked on proudly.

The reason for this is because the Danetree choir were singing ‘It’s a hard knock life’ from popular musical Annie, as they joined musicians and singers from other local schools performing at the annual Epsom and Ewell Schools’ Music Festival.

Under the instruction of Year Six teacher Mrs Chaffe, selected members of the school’s 40-strong choir took part in the performance, and the others, from all age groups at the school, will be given their chance during a busy schedule of performances throughout the academic year.

“The choir is something we’re really proud of here at the school,” said head teacher James Broad. “Encouraging performing activities is a character-building experience for the children and really boosts their confidence, so the opportunity to get up and sing at a venue like the Playhouse is not only a thrill for them, but has a really positive impact on their schooling too.”

The choir puts on a regular fund-raising Christmas carol service at Epsom’s Ashley Centre, raising money for local causes such as the Princess Alice Hospice and Epsom Hospital, and for anyone who enjoyed or missed their performance at the Playhouse, they can been seen in action again on 27 April, when they perform at the Dorking Halls as part of the Surrey Arts Music Festival.