Gateacre School students perform ‘Frozen – The Musical’ to sell out audiences!

‘For the first time in forever…’ there was music, there was light! Inspired by the West End, in the summer of 2023, Gateacre School’s drama, music and design technology departments worked together to stage ‘Frozen – The Musical’. The production incorporated a cast of 39 students, a band composing of 13 singers and musicians and a backstage crew and front of house team of 24, and also invited three of Gateacre’s local primary schools to become its on-stage choir as part of the production. In total, over 200 students ranging from Year 3 to Year 12 were involved. Gateacre students worked tirelessly in rehearsals to follow direction, practice their singing and learn choreography. For some, it was their first ever time performing. Older students mentored younger ones and students managed all backstage elements including props, costume, make up, set, lighting and sound. There was an incredible team working front of house, making and selling merchandise. At every stage, the students worked in the professional manner of a real theatre company. The musicians, from Years 8, 10 and 12, rehearsed at lunchtimes and stayed late after school to practice. The music was often demanding to play, but musicians rose to the challenge and were extremely professional in both rehearsal and performance. The primary schools rehearsed weekly for four months before visiting Gateacre to collaborate and rehearse with the full band and cast, followed by a public evening performance with sell out audiences of 200 plus. The choirs came from Rudston Primary School, Belle Vale Primary School and Woolton Primary School, each with staff who used to attend Gateacre School. It was a very valuable experience for Gateacre students to work with the primary school children and vice versa.