Iceni Academy students were thrilled this week when they visited a West End theatre to see smash hit musical ‘School of Rock’ – and were in awe of the special opportunity they were given to take a peek backstage.
The students had performed the musical themselves in July 2017, and were amazed by the energy and immense talent they saw on stage. Year 8 student Johnny Burkett said “it was always exciting to perform the show ourselves, but I realised that there was just as much energy and excitement watching the performance from the audience. It must be amazing to perform that show eight times a week!”
The backstage tour, guided by actor James Smoker, allowed students to see how the show is put together, and they were able to look at the sets and props used in the show up close. Student Finn Brown said “the show was incredible and the backstage tour was just amazing – I couldn’t believe how much effort had gone in to everything, and how much detail there was in sets and props you saw for just a moment on stage.”
Amy Staniforth, who organised the trip, said “this was an unmissable opportunity for our students not only to see a West End musical for themselves, but also to see how the theatre works from the point of view of the performers. Our students were so inspired by the show and from meeting James – several of them have decided that they would like to work in the theatre in the future!”
