This year’s cast is the biggest yet at 125 students. And they have all thrown themselves into the rehearsals with gusto!  Our band are getting used to playing together, dancers learning very involved choreography, our vocalists are getting technique sorted whilst making a beautiful big sound and our drama guys are starting to look at script and character. It’s a good feeling to be back to work.

This year’s show is called ‘There’s Something Strange about Marvin McRae’ and the script is nearly finished! I’ve been busily writing and devising and I hope it’s going to make audiences smile. One of the beautiful things about the script is it’s been inspired by many of the young people I’ve met whilst visiting our schools. Everyone feels a bit like a square peg in a round hole sometimes and this year the story we tell really reflects that feeling and how people deal with that. It’s all a bit top secret at present but I can tell you there is giant chicken involved...

A new initiative for this year is the ASPIRE production ensemble, which we are currently taking applications for. This is an opportunity for any students in year 9 and above to develop their knowledge and experience behind the scenes. Whether you are interested in lighting, sound, costume, set, stage management or just keen to get a taste of everything, this is a chance to work alongside a professional stage manager Loretta Foster and assist in the production elements of a large show. More information can be found here.

I look forward to keeping you up to date with ASPIRE goings on this year. It’s shaping up to be pretty exciting!