STEWARDS Academy’s Performing Arts department were delighted to stage Matilda Junior in July this year. 

After a hiatus of 4 years, the pupils were thrilled to tread the boards once more. With over 50 pupils involved from all year groups, both on and off stage, the buzz in production week was amazing.

The audition and rehearsal process started back in January and under the direction of Miss Thurley, Subject Leader for Drama, and Jack Navin from Year 11 the production began to take shape. Ms McGruddy, music teacher, offered assistance with vocals and Dance Fusion invited in to choreograph some numbers.

The cast and crew worked solidly to create a polished and professional production, enjoyed by all. The three leads, all regular performers outside of school, deserve an extra mention: Ruby Ball, year 9, in the title role, Grace Dell, year 8, as Miss Honey and Erin Baldry, year 10, as the feared Miss Trunchball.

One audience member said: “Wow what an incredible show you put on. Such talent and so professional. The students were amazing. Looking forward to the next one!”

Another, thanked the staff involved for taking the time to stage this production for our pupils. 

Di da Vighi, Enrichment Co-ordinator, said: “It is a big undertaking staging a production and with Matilda the staff involved had to remember what to do and when, following the disruption to academy life with Covid19. The dedication of the staff and pupils involved is testament to how important performing arts is to our young adults. Each and every cast and crew member should feel incredibly proud of the fantastic show they were involved in. I’m sure each and every one would like to say a special thank you to Miss Thurley for directing.”

If you are interested in following the life of Stewards Academy, we regularly have updates on Twitter and Instagram. Please follow us @StewardsAcademy and @Stewards_Head on Twitter and @stewardsacademy on Instagram.  A final source of information is here on YourHarlow where you can see lots of things we have been up to previously: 

 http://www.yourharlow.com/category/education/stewards-academy