THE annual musical production at Christleton High School – Oliver! – has turned into quite a family affair with Joseph Berry, 14, prepared to do anything for his elder sister Kiera.
The Year 9 pupil has been cast as the eponymous Dickens orphan with Kiera playing Nancy’s best friend Bet and the siblings get to sing the duet I’d Do Anything.
Kiera, 16, said: “We have been practising the song together at home and I have been helping Joe with his lines.”
The cast of more than 130 pupils have been put through their paces by director Simon Phillips.
He said: “It’s been going really well. We have a policy here that anyone who auditions for the show can be in it so we have a massive chorus.”
The band of 11 players includes eight upper sixth form musicians and pupil Alex Coker is stage manager.
Mr Phillips added: “We employ professionals to supply lighting and sound equipment as well as hiring a professional set, costumes and props.
“Parents and teachers help out with costumes for every performance.”
The students even gave up part of their half term holiday to rehearse the musical which opens at the school on March 11.
The school has put on annual school musical theatre production since 2006. Productions have included Bugsy Malone, Our Day Out, Honk!, Guys and Dolls, Seussical the Musical, High School Musical and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Mr Phillips added: “Last year’s production of Joseph was our biggest success to date with more than 1,300 tickets sold.”
Oliver! is at Christleton High School from Monday, March 11, to Saturday, March 16 (not Thursday) at 7.30pm with a matinée on Saturday at 2.30pm.
Tickets are £6, available from the school in person or on 01244 335843.
