Fabulous show justifies phenomenal effort

Talented students stepped into a world of a big stage production to the delight of audiences at Grimsby Auditorium.

Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was performed by Academy students to nearly 800 primary school children in two matinee performances while more than 1,100 families and friends watched two public shows.

Co-Director of Arts and Head of Drama Gemma Carter said the positive response to the production had been overwhelmingly.

“The students did incredibly well and the talent that was on the stage was recognised by the audiences,” she said.

“I am ecstatic with the reaction we have had. The children's efforts have just been so positively received.

“They have been so focused. We started rehearsals back in October and that's a long time to keep coming back, week after week.

“But they have been so committed. To produce quality means putting in a lot of hard work.

“They have done just that and it's shown to them what working hard can achieve.”

She thanked Auditorium staff for their support with the production. The academy paid for a West End set, including a huge video wall and a glass elevator that rose over the stage with Charlie (William Rowe) and Mr Wonka (Jasper Barnbrook) on board.

“Students have now experienced what it is like in a proper working theatre.

“They had a big set and can imagine what it is like on a West End stage.

“The crew and everybody at the Auditorium have been so helpful. They were also really complimentary about our talented students.”

Planning has started for the academy's next annual production.

“Everybody will just have to wait and see what it will be. What I can say is that exciting things are coming in the next academic year!”

Executive Principal Philip Dickinson thanked Mrs Carter and all the staff who had been involved.

“The children were unbelievable at times,” he said. “The talent that we have at Waltham Toll Bar is incredible.

“It was a privilege to be at the public performances and see the reaction of families and friends to what they were watching.

“I'd also like to thank colleagues at primary schools for organising trips for their pupils to see the show.

“We hope they could imagine one day, it could be their turn.”

Mr Dickinson said a benefit of being a large academy was that it could put on such a big production.

“We can offer these sort of opportunities for our children and this show, at the Auditorium, has made a real statement.

“I feel immensely proud of the staff and students. A phenomenal amount of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to produce a performance of this quality.

“I've asked Mrs Carter and the team to pencil in dates at the same venue next year. I can't wait to see their plans.”

Chair of Governors Philip Bond also watched the show.

“I thought the students were amazing,” he said. “It was almost like you were watching a professional performance.

“The talent is incredible. The staff team deserve an enormous amount of credit, supporting the children to produce something like that.”