Hunstanton concert honours stars of stage and screen

Young performers from a Hunstanton school welcomed members of the community to a free performance where they paid tribute to the stars of stage and screen.

‘Smithdon Salutes Broadway’ took place at Hunstanton Town Hall and showcased talents of all ages from across Smithdon High School, part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

Among those performing in the concert at the end of March, were Smithdon’s newly formed Show Choir and the school’s Year 7 band, which recently placed third in the recent WNAT Battle of the Bands competition.

The Broadway event was held in front of an audience of some 150 people who were royally entertained by students. 

Musical numbers included the Show Choir’s ‘Six from Six’, a solo version of ‘Stick it to the Man’ from School of Rock, a dance to ‘Flash Bang Wallop’, the school choir’s rendition of ‘Waving through a Window’ from Dear Evan Hansen, and the Year 7 band’s performance of ‘We Will Rock You’ from the Queen musical. 

“The event went really well,” said organiser Andrea Miller,Music Lead at Smithdon. “Doing it with the support of Hunstanton Town Council makes for such a beautiful venue to hold our event.

“We had so many first-time performers and lots of Year 7 get up on stage, and it is so lovely to see their confidence grow and blossom.

“Our Year 7 band, The Unknown, are always a highlight – they are so confident, and their stage presence is developing so much. All of the boys in the band even got up and played different instruments, which was amazing.

“And it was great to see how our Show Choir has come along, given that they only came together as an ensemble in January.”

Smithdon, which stages regular musical productions throughout the year, will hold its next concert at Hunstanton Town Hall in July, and will also be participating in the annual WNAT Community Music Week, which takes place the same month.

“Our students love these events,” continued Miss Miller. “They get so excited, albeit a bit nervous as well, to get up on stage and perform for people. They find it so rewarding and, despite being a bit tired the next day, they are still buzzing from the experience.

“These events are incredibly important.They are important to allow the community to see the outstanding talent that we have, but they are also important in the building up and development of our students’ confidence.”

“I am so proud of all our student performers, who did an amazing job and grow in confidence after every show,” added Headteacher Amanda Gibbins.

“I am also incredibly grateful to Miss Miller for all the time and organisation she puts in to ensure our student showcases are such a huge success.”