As the curtain falls on another outstanding whole-school production at QM, we reflect on what a triumph Oliver! was last week.
Stretched over four performances, the cast and crew worked tirelessly to bring this Victorian-themed classic tale to life, and the resounding feedback from the audience confirmed what a success it was.
The show was a collaborative effort between talented students, incredibly dedicated teachers, and passionate volunteers. After months of preparation and hard work, the end result was a thoroughly professional production which transported our audience to the gritty streets of 19th-century London.
The production consisted of our talented actors illuminating the stage, complemented by an orchestra of professional musicians and students in the pit. We also had a fantastic team of students on backstage operations, working behind the scenes to create an immersive experience for our audience.
Our Director and Head of Drama Mary Griffin commented, "I am so very proud of what the cast, crew & orchestra achieved with “Oliver!” It was a bumpy road at times - the set arrived a week late, the costumes didn’t fit, we kept losing trumpeters! - but the girls persevered like professionals and consistently blew us away with their adaptability.
The outcome of all their hard work was a phenomenal retelling of a timeless classic and I think we can all agree that there is some incredible talent amongst this cast. I am very grateful to the brilliant staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and I have been touched by the many messages I have received from parents since the show.
While the set, props and costumes have now all been dismantled and returned, I think it will be a while before we stop waking up singing “Oom Pah Pah!” I can’t wait to see how our girls go on to impress us next. Coming up later this year we have our first ever LAMDA Showcase, followed by the Junior Drama Picnic and we hope to see lots of you there."
Behind the scenes
Student photographers
Oliver was supported by a team of Lower Sixth A Level Photography students. The show provided a unique opportunity for our students to gain valuable skills in a challenging photographic environment. Well done Ninan, Georgia, and Emilia for your brilliant images.
Emilia
Georgia
Ninan
Thanks
Special thanks go to Mary Griffin (Director of Drama) and Hannah Priestley (Drama and English Teacher) who must be immensely proud of what they have achieved. Our choreographer Alison Leadley (Head of Dance) brought the students into cohesion for an array of dazzling musical numbers, while Nick Scheider (Theatre Technician) and his team of students ensured the sound, lighting, and backstage operations were to a truly professional standard. Chris Reeve (Music Teacher) was our show's MD, and along with his remarkable orchestra of students and pro musicians, they brought each musical number to life.
For the full list of congratulations, you can click below to see the Oliver 2023 Programme.
QM Maggie
It was brilliant to see QM Maggie, QM's coffee car extraordinaire serving hot chocolate and sweet treats. QM Maggie is a converted Smart Car, operated by a student team as a small enterprise to generate funds and support a chosen charity. Girls can join the QM Maggie team as part of our Enrichment offering at QM, where they can learn valuable entrepreneurial skills in all aspects of running a small business.
Catering
As well as delightful interval refreshments organised by our Catering team, we had wonderful treats courtesy of our skilled Year IV Food Prep' and Nutrition students!
Reviews
"I couldn’t be more proud of each and every member of the cast, crew and staff whose hard work and talent produced a show of such life and energy." Mrs Baillie, Head
"The acting and singing were superb and it is wonderful to see the girls perform with such outstanding confidence."
"I quite forgot that I was at a school production.”
"The confidence and ability the actors brought to the stage was wonderful to watch. The great musicians in the pit, the set, the smooth nature in which the stagehands went efficiently about their business made it all look and feel like a genuinely professional production, rather than a school one."
