Young stars ‘Let It Go’

Disney’s wintry classic is coming to Hunstanton, with Smithdon High School’s production of Frozen Jr set to bring some festive cheer to the season.

Performances take place on Wednesday 13 December and Thursday 14 December at the school, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, and will showcase the talents of the students, both on and off stage.

​“We have students participating from across all year groups,” explained Andrea Miller, Music Teacher at Smithdon and Musical Director of the show. “There are about 50 students involved once you include cast, front of house and backstage. 

“Students help with all aspects of the show. We have a backstage crew made up of four or five students, two sound and light helpers, and students help with front of house and refreshments, as well as the art department running a props and set design club.”

There have been opportunities for the public to enjoy previews of the show over the past few months, with the cast performing favourites such as ‘Let It Go’ and ‘For the First Time in Forever’ at events which included the Hunstanton Show.

“We have had multiple opportunities to give some sneak peeks of our show to the community, which is so much fun,” continued Miss Miller. “We have received so much positive feedback and excitement about the show. People have been really impressed with our students and how confident and talented they are.

“There are so many highlights. I have made an Olaf puppet that I am so excited for everyone to see. ‘Let It Go’ is always a Frozen Jr highlight. I am also really excited about all of the songs that people will not know that have come from the stage production.”

Taking lead roles in the musical are Ellie Proctor and Martha Smith, who play Anna and Elsa respectively, and are both in Year 9; Ethan Guymer, in Year 10, who is Kristoff; Bella Gee (year 9) as Hans, and Darcie Askew (also Year 9) as Sven.

Staff involved in the production include Drama Teachers Vicky Proctor and Kayleigh Brown (directing and choreography), Head of Art and Design Sian Wheeler and Art Teacher Laura Ruskin, who worked on set and prop design, and Head of Science Claire Pike, who was responsible for costumes.

“We also want to thank Proctor Roofing for helping out with some of our more complex set pieces,” said Miss Miler. “Myself and Mrs Proctor also want to thank our partners and families, who have helped out in finding costumes, building props, et cetera.”

Tickets for the family-friendly show cost £5 each and are available from the Smithdon High School Shop on the school website, or can be purchased on the door if not sold out. 

“The show is open to everyone – we would love to see as many people as possible there,” added Miss Miller, who has previously worked on productions of Oliver Jr, Matilda Jr, Legally Blonde Jr, and High School Musical Jr at the school.

“Events like this are so important to us at Smithdon. It is amazing to be able to bring together so many departments from across the school to unite under one event. It is so great to be able to bring in the community as well as some of our local public schools to be able to watch the performance.

“We love showcasing our amazing students and all of their phenomenal skills. The tradition of our annual school shows is really special and a real highlight in our students’ Smithdon careers.”

Frozen Jr takes place at Smithdon at 6pm on 13 and 14 December. Tickets cost £5.