School pupils put on a 'Shrek-tacular' musical performance
Cockshut Hill School in Birmingham, part of the Summit Learning Trust, hosted its much-anticipated Christmas production of Shrek The Musical.
Almost 300 parents, carers and members of the wider community attended school this week to see Cockshut Hill’s unique take on the hit musical, which has graced Broadway and the West End.
Forty-four learners at Cockshut took part in a performance of the award-winning musical, with learners ‘ogre the moon’ to show off their creative flair.
Learners performed not only to their own families, but also gave matinee performances to local primary schools, giving younger children a taste of the sort of fun opportunities waiting for them at Cockshut Hill School.
The talented learners, guided by Head of Performing Arts Peter Willett, worked tirelessly to bring this much-loved story to life. With dazzling costumes, captivating performances, and unforgettable songs, this production was a highlight of the Christmas season.
Peter Willett, Head of Performing Arts at Cockshut Hill, commented: “This year’s production of Shrek The Musical is a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and community spirit, which are values we hold dear at Cockshut Hill.
“We were especially excited to share this magical experience with local primary school children during our matinee performances, giving them a taste of the performing arts.”
Marc O’Malley, Acting Principal at Cockshut Hill, said: “We were very pleased to host our families and the wider community we serve recently to view our own take on the award-winning musical, with some brilliant performances by our learners.
“This will be a tough one for Mr Willett and his learners to top, but I look forward to even more spectacular performances in the future”.
Cockshut also celebrated the festive season this week with a heartwarming Christmas Showcase, a recital filled with music and poetry.
The event featured an extraordinary performance by the learners, accompanied by the renowned Caius Lee from the Armonico Consort, and was attended by an audience of parents, carers, and distinguished guests.
The showcase opened with a selection of traditional carols, including a moving rendition of In the Bleak Midwinter. The learners also brought a modern twist to the finale concert with their performance of Torches by John Joubert, a choral Christmas favourite beloved by audiences across generations.
Adding a unique touch, the event was interspersed with original poems penned by the learners, offering a glimpse into their creativity and talent.
