THF'S BUMPER SUMMER
Reports back from schools regarding THF’s bumper summer of supported major productions and THF Awards winners go on! More reports to come next month.
OUR LADY AND ST PATRICK CATHOLIC PRIMARY: THE WRONG WAY ROUND
The THF/EPF funding enabled Our Lady and St Patrick’s to purchase performance rights and resources for its Year 6 production of The Wrong Way Round. This gave pupils the opportunity to experience performing in a high-quality theatrical show.
The production captivated audiences with outstanding acting, singing and dancing, with families praising the confidence, talent and dedication of every cast member.
One audience member said: “Every single child was a star in their own right, and each role seemed perfectly suited to them.”
The choreography also received praise, with a grandparent in the audience describing the dancing as “very professionally done”, reflecting the hard work of pupils and staff throughout rehearsals.
A school spokesperson said: “We are incredibly grateful to The Helen Foundation’s Ella Philp Fund for making this production possible.
“Opportunities like these help children develop confidence, teamwork, creativity and resilience while creating lasting memories. We are immensely proud of every member of our Year 6 cast and their commitment.”
ABBOTSKERSWELL PRIMARY THFA WINNER AND HIGHLY COMMENDED
Holding the Helen Foundation Award (left) is Robin Walkden, alongside Highly Commended Bethany Langley.
Robin is an exceptionally gifted student. Through her LAMDA lessons, Robin has demonstrated commitment, enthusiasm and a genuine love of performing. She also challenged herself through her Civic Award, learning to design and make her own clothes with imagination, patience and determination.
A valued member of numerous school productions, Robin brings confidence, creativity and enthusiasm to every performance. She continually steps outside her comfort zone, embraces new opportunities and inspires those around her.
The award recognises not only her talent but also her dedication, perseverance and willingness to keep learning. Robin demonstrates all these qualities, making her a truly deserving recipient.
GLENDINNING ACADEMY - MATILDA
Academy Principal Sam Gilronan writes:
One of the standout moments of the term was undoubtedly our second school musical, Matilda. The production was a tremendous success and showcased the incredible talents of our students. My sincere thanks and congratulations go to everyone involved, both students and staff, whose hard work, commitment and creativity brought the performance to life.
Student in Year 9 – ‘’It was euphoric and it united so many people across the school. It was the most connected I have ever felt in my life. I would do it again ten billion times over if I could."
Student in Year 5 – ‘’I was nervous to join at first, but we all became like a big family. I can’t wait for the next one’’.
Lois Harris (Director / Student support worker) - This had to be my standout moment of my time at Glendinning Academy. While Matilda is a story about courage, determination and believing in yourself, this year's production reflected those very qualities in the young people who brought it to life.
Throughout rehearsals students stepped outside their comfort zones and discovered strengths they never knew they had. Watching these students grow in confidence over the past six months has been the most rewarding part of this production. Seeing them perform with such pride in front of a packed audience and receiving a standing ovation was an unforgettable moment. Every single one of them should be incredibly proud.
I would also like to extend a sincere thanks to The Helen Foundation for its generous support through the Helen Foundation's 20th Anniversary Offer, delivered in partnership with the Ella Philp Fund. The grant helped bring this production to life by supporting the costs of staging the performance. I am incredibly grateful for The Helen Foundation's commitment to supporting the arts in schools and for helping create an opportunity that our students will remember for many years to come. I was given the Helen Foundation award back in 2016 and it has been a huge part of my musical and professional journey. It’s so nice to give to my students now, the experiences I received back in school. The success of Matilda was a celebration, not only a performance, but of courage, friendship and the remarkable achievements that can happen when young people are given the opportunity to shine."
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