Once again, the Fordell hall was packed with members of the community. And once again, all who attended enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining evening - courtesy of Fordell School.
It is usually the popular fundraising events that get people flocking to our village vestibule, but this time it was none other than
the extremely talented Fordell School students themselves.
Following the successful performance last year of The Jabberwocky, teachers David Reddish and Marieke Whitwell decided that with such a strong talent pool, a musical production was in order. The chosen script had many a reference to The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Young Frankenstein themes and characters. This, coupled with strong elements of comedy (altered to include localised humour) made for a great show.
After a full term of rehearsals; perfecting dance moves, striving to hit all the right notes and coming in "on cue" with each and every line, The Rocky Monster Show was all set for its "full-house" audience and it was "Lights, Camera, Action".
Bridgette O'Leary (playing Mrs Danvers) was one of a number who impressed. Throughout the performance she effortlessly jumped from a stern and bossy housekeeper into a zombie-like monotone trance at mention of the name 'Rebecca'.
Georgina Bryant (narrator) guided the audience from start to finish with a sophisticated chill, while brother John (Igor) kept everyone amused as the physically challenged (and seemingly psychologically challenged) butler.
The Brad and Janet (of the Rocky Horror Picture Show) in this tale were Rebecca Shelley and Dan Stoker, played by Lauren Phillips and Joe Reddish. Under the vague direction of a multi-personality stationmaster (Elena O'Leary) these two ventured to the castle. Here, they were taking up new positions as laboratory assistants to 'The Phantom of the Science Lab ... and the Professor of Rock and Roll', Rocky Fenton (George Reddish). Together, they unravelled the scientific explanation and mystery behind the evolution and re-birth of two pretty freakish characters, Mungo (Ethan Coffey) and Elsa (Anna Ross). This unlikely couple fell in love with the sheer horrid looks of each other and their one-liners kept the laughter flowing.
As the confidence in their theories grew, Rocky Fenton and his talented assistants convinced the locals that this new evolution was going to bring back all the stars and converge to create his Supergroup. His ditsy and eye-lash-fluttering daughter, Gloria (Grace Walford) was hanging off his every word. Even the infamous Inspector Baskerville (Rebekah Phillips), was impressed with the born again Superbs (Isobella, Gemma and Jaida Shaw). Baby Love was just one of many songs that these talented sisters "wowed" the audience with. As well as being supported by the sweet voices of more young talent (Rose Raikes and Frances and Paige Carston) the entire Junior School were "dressed to kill" as zombies for a couple of numbers. The career of our "Mad Scientist" culminated in the rebirth of The King himself, Elvis (Sam Cranstone), who was popular by name and nature.
A matinee performance to schools and pre-schools in our cluster was well received, with many commenting favourably on the countless lines and solo performances for so many. In the audience as proud parents, we have once again been reminded of the huge sense of achievement our children receive in such a curriculum range at Fordell School. This term alone, our students have celebrated huge success in Inter School Cross-Country events, hitting the podium in all four Mathex age groups, half of the school travelling up the mountain (and actually skiing/snowboarding), winning both age groups of speech competitions in our school cluster and now this on-stage performance.
We almost have to pinch ourselves to remind us that our kids experience all of this, in addition to the joys that come with the hunting-and-fishing apparel and well-used gumboots that line the cloak bays.
Bounding off the school bus at 3.30pm ... What will the kids be buzzing about today? And what have our talented staff lined up next?
230914Fordell DRESSED TO KILL: The Junior School in a dance number for The Rocky Monster Show.
Once again, the Fordell hall was packed with members of the community. And once again, all who attended enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining evening - courtesy of Fordell School.
It is usually the popular fundraising events that get people flocking to our village vestibule, but this time it was none other than
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