An array of pupils in brightly coloured costumes and greased back hair took to the stage at Cirencester Deer Park School on Wednesday 13 November 2019, giving the audience at our Grease Taster Evening a first glimpse of our whole school production of the iconic musical Grease.

Following our auditions in May, we made the decision to double cast as we have so many talented performers. The show, which will be on stage in February 2020, includes some great songs and dance routines and this team of cast, band and people behind the scenes are working really well together.

The fantastic compères on the night, Lexie B in Year 9 and Amber D in Year 11, who both play character Patty Symcox, provided entertainment throughout the night, fighting for the limelight, as their character would, introducing performance items. The girls presented the audience with several videos, which gave an insight into the auditions and the hard work that takes place in rehearsals. The audition video showed over 130 pupils practising extracts from acting scenes, choreography from dance routines and lyrics from songs in the show, whilst the rehearsal video showed pupils being directed in acting scenes by Mrs Gleed and being taught melodies by Miss Faux.

Milly in Year 10 said "I loved the Taster Evening. There were lots of videos that reflected the progress we have made so far. I enjoyed the bloopers video the most. Those are the fun memories that will stick with us after the show!"

The audience were shown a preview of the dancing of ‘We Go Together’, whilst others in the cast provided the singing. This energetic, feel-good song showed off the core cast members: the Pink Ladies, T-Birds and Cheerleaders. The cast moved around the set, interacting with each other, showing the social groups’ close bonds, whilst carrying out some difficult choreography as the pace of the music increased. This was fine work, brilliantly executed.

Charley in Year 8 said ‘Everyone put maximum effort into the Taster Evening. My family said it was really good. It is such a big project to take on, so it is nice to have a double to work on it with you. My double is Rory in Year 11, he’s really great. I can’t wait for the actual shows in February.’

As well as other musical items, acting scenes and a piece from the band, a number of pupils delivered speeches explaining their involvement in Grease. Tanwen in Year 11 highlighted the hard work of the band, telling the audience of the 30 hours they had already rehearsed this term.

I thoroughly enjoyed the evening; the pupils were thrilled with their performances and the feedback they  received from friends and family who had come to watch. They were very excited about how professional everything looked at this stage. The commitment our pupils show is already paying off. Congratulations to all pupils. We are looking forward to February!

Mrs Gleed, Head of Expressive Arts

Congratulations to our Expressive Arts Team and the cast and crew of our next whole school production. As a result of their excellent team work, they definitely whetted our appetites at this special taster evening which told the story so far. It reflected our ambition to challenge everyone to achieve more and revealed the commitment everyone has made from the initial auditions and through the rehearsals. It demonstrated the excellent learning that is taking place, not just the lines, music and choreography, but also the resilience, resourcefulness, stamina and ingenuity shown by all. The evening created a great buzz and our pupils’ enjoyment was strongly evident in the fun they were having and the support they received from each other. Thank you.

Chiquita Henson, Headteacher

Do you know the storyline of Grease? Many people will remember the film, released in 1978, starring Olivia Newton-John as Sandy and John Travolta as Danny. Based in the 1950s, the story tells how teenagers Danny and Sandy fall in love one summer and then part ways forever. However, a change in circumstances leads them to be at the same school, where rebel Danny (leader of the greasers gang T-Birds) and prim Sandy (with her new friends The Pink Ladies) discover new sides to each other. Songs that topped the charts in the late 1970s such as "Summer Nights", "You're The One that I Want" and "Greased Lightnin'" will soon be on stage in Cirencester. We can't wait!