King's Lynn students wow with Joseph show

West Norfolk’s musical theatre lovers enjoyed a treat when a King's Lynn school staged a colourful production of an Andrew Lloyd-Webber/Tim Rice favourite.

Springwood High School’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat saw over 100 students take part, both on stage and behind the scenes, along with pupils from nearby St Martha’s Primary, who provided the choir.

With packed performances across two consecutive evenings in Springwood’s Peter Hopkins Hall, the show entertained audience members with such well known classics as ‘Close Every Door’, ‘Jacob and Sons’, and ‘Any Dream Will Do’.

Among the cast were Callum Barber in the title role of Joseph, Hemi Grimsby as the Pharaoh, and Elodie Blackmore playing Levi, while Charlize Mana-ay, Charlotte Norman, and Xara Smith were the narrators.

“I’ve enjoyed spending time with new people and having the opportunity to be part of this amazing and talented cast,” said Callum, and Elodie agreed: “I’ve loved meeting up with people and making new friends within the cast. The brothers are amazing at supporting each other and helping me overcome the challenges of learning all our lines and movement.”

“I’ve really loved exploring the music, especially my songs,” said Hemi. “It’s been so fun watching the rest of the musical come together.”

The three narrators also enjoyed the experience.

Xara said, “I’ve loved working within a team of narrators”, while Charlotte agreed: “I’ve loved pushing myself and my abilities, and working with the rest of the cast.”

“It’e been challenging getting used to singing, dancing and acting at the same time, but I became much more confident as we rehearsed," added Charlize.

Springwood staff members involved in the show included 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 Fiona McGovern.

“This year’s production has been a mountain to climb, with many challenges on the way, and a shorter timescale in which to turn it around,”said Robin Norman, Head of Music at Springwood, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“But whilst this may appear to be a bit of a ‘one-man show’, I couldn’t have done it without an amazing amount of support from the Music Staff and, indeed, the rest of the Arts Faculty. 

“I would like to thank all those who have committed their time to the rehearsals, learning lines and choreography, and all the various aspects that come together to help create one of the most iconic musical shows ever.

“As ever, I find myself privileged to be working with amazing and talented students, who have made this a fantastic experience for me. You are all fabulous, thank you so much – you have done us all, and yourselves, proud.”

Springwood’s next stage production will be The 39 Steps, which is due to take place 10-12 February at the school.