West Norfolk school’s show proves a hit

Audiences have been blown away by the standard of performances at Springwood High School this week.

Beauty and the Beast was the school’s musical and it opened on Tuesday (27) in the Peter Hopkins Hall at the School, a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“The show has been an outstanding success and we are incredibly proud of everyone who has been involved in the production, from lead roles to chorus members and the technical backstage crew. This would not have been possible without a real team effort,” said Robin Norman, the school and trust’s director of music.

“After the opening night, one audience member was heard to say that they would not have thought that this was a school production, such was the quality, and they thought we should be repeating it in a theatre.

“A particular mention should go to the director, Samantha Burchell, whose vision for the production and how to tell the story, has been an inspiration to all,” added Mr Norman.

The show features familiar and favourite characters including Belle, Gaston, Lumiere, Mrs Potts and Cogsworth and is based on the original Broadway production, which ran for more than 13 years.

Beauty and the Beast Jr features some of the most popular songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr Menken and Tim Rice.

The show closed the February programme of musical events, but March opens its account today (1) with the Spring Concert at Springwood from 6.30pm.