Virtually famous - school show goes live

Sir William Robertson Academy, in Welbourn usually hosts an annual theatre production, every year without fail, but due to covid-19, they were uncertain how 2020/2021’s show would go ahead.

A spokesman for the school explained: “Because we knew a show with a live audience would be out of the question, Miss Burrough, the Head of Performing Arts, with her team of staff, Mr Talbot, Mrs Jex and Mr Smith, decided to create a virtual production - a medley of theatre songs performed in Covid-safe year group bubbles.”

Performances were rehearsed and filmed in their year group bubbles and edited by Miss Lloyd.

The spokesman said: “Auditions were held in September and we were overwhelmed with how many students from each year group turned up for a chance to land a lead role. We were particularly proud of our new Year Sevens who were brave enough to get involved so early on. There was a lot of talent from across all year groups.”

The show finally went live last week and is now available for students and families to stream for the Easter break via the school website by logging in using their school Microsoft 365 account. It will be taken down on April 19 and performers will receive a DVD keepsake after half term.

This is their first ever virtual production.

Among the many musical numbers from popular shows performed by the students, songs included ‘Wait For It’ and ‘Satisfied’ from Hamilton; ‘Do You Want To Build A Snowman?’ and ‘Into The Unknown’ from Frozen; ‘Popular’ and ‘For Good’ from Wicked; ‘This Is Me’ from The Greatest Showman; ‘We’re All In This Together’ from High School Musical; ‘Winner Takes It All’ from Mamma Mia! and ‘The Cover Is Not The Book’ from Mary Poppins.