Pupils at Chester Catholic High School have gone One Step Beyond for their annual high school musical.
The students are putting on a production of the Madness-inspired Oliver Award-winning musical Our House.
Written by Tim Firth, who lives in Alvanley, the story is based on the central character Joe Casey.
It is his 16th birthday and he’s treating his girlfriend Sarah to an evening in a brand new luxury apartment.
There’s just one problem; he has to break in. When the police turn up Joe has to decide – run away, or face the music – a choice that will change the course of his life, and his love, forever.
With a cast of 45 students led by Year 11 student Curtis Hall in the role of Joe Casey, after-school and weekend rehearsals have been underway since September.
Curtis said: “I first watched a CHS Production when I was in Year 6 and it is an honour to have been selected to for a lead role six years later.
“It has been so much fun working with everyone on Our House and I can’t wait to show audiences what we have been working so hard for.”
The production is produced and directed by drama teachers Karen McCarthy and Dave Hussin who, following previous successful productions including Oliver!, Footloose and Grease said that Our House has proved to be the most demanding yet rewarding production staged at the school.
Head of performing arts, Karen McCarthy said: “The main challenge of this musical is that it is in fact two musicals, with ‘good’ and ‘bad’ Joe’s stories running parallel to each other.”
Drama teacher Dave Hussin added: “The cast, band and crew have shown outstanding dedication during the rehearsal process and it has been a privilege to work with such talented and committed students.”
Our House is on until Friday, November 29 at 7pm. Tickets (£9) are available from the school on 01244 981609. Visit www.christofidelis.org.uk to view an exclusive trailer.
