Posted on 15th Apr
Students at Magnus C of E Academy in Newark staged a performance of Sister Act Jr.
Principal Anna Martin said the show was a demonstration of the talent and confidence of learner.
“Our school vision is ‘developing people of good character, who achieve excellence and make a positive contribution to their communities’,” she said.
“This includes helping our young people discover their talents and work towards achieving excellence in these areas.
“Participating in a school production, whether on or off stage, is a great opportunity to explore talents and develop excellence. It also requires strength of character to persevere during the many months of rehearsals.
“As always, we are grateful to everyone who has helped to put on this year’s performance and all who attended to watch the show.”
Performances ran for two afternoon shows, welcoming year 7 Magnus students and also children from Sir Donald Bailey Primary Academy, Newark, with family and friends invited for evening performances.
The show was directed by Leanne Phillips, primary and community liaison officer, and Samantha Milan, head of performing arts.
Leanne said: “We originally started Sister Act Jr back in 2020, but a week before we were due to perform we went into lockdown so never got the chance.
“It was always on the cards to revisit the show, and this year was the perfect time. Some of our original cast played main roles this time around, and it was brilliant to see them as year 11s playing the role they would have played as year 7s.
“To help prepare students, we took the cast to see Sister Act, The Musical to give them an insight into the production and the characters. This really helped bring the story to life.”
Leanne said students hade been rehearsing for seven months.
“What a fun-filled and action-packed time it has been preparing for the show,” she added!
“We created our own production company; the crew helped with the set design and sorted the props, and we had a student working with our lighting and sound engineer. We are so proud of how hard the cast and crew worked that we are already planning our next production.”
Student Laila Porter, who played Mary Robert, said: “I really enjoy performing arts and this is one of the best things I’ve done and probably will do.
“I was originally cast when we were supposed to do the show in 2020, so it was good to finally be able to perform it to everyone.
“Rehearsals were really tough, but it was definitely worth it. I relate to my character a lot because she’s quiet and then comes out of her shell.
“I was quieter when I was younger, but I’ve grown a lot in confidence and found my voice too.”
