Students return with a ‘buzz’ as ‘Oliver’ wows audiences
The full cast of the Thomas Gainsborough School production of 'Oliver'. Photo: Nick Reynolds.
An annual school production held for the first time since the start of the pandemic has been hailed as a big success.
Thomas Gainsborough School’s renowned theatre shows have had to be put on hold for the last two years.
But they have now come back with a bang after the production of “Oliver” played to sell-out audiences over four nights at the Great Cornard secondary school.
Jo Arrow, TGS head of performing arts, said it was a proud moment when she saw students back on stage again.
She said: “We wanted to put on a big show to welcome everyone back and the cast and crew of Oliver did not disappoint. We’ve waited a long time to play to audiences and have a live band, something that is quite rare for a school production, and the feedback we have received has been really positive. I think we all just loved seeing a production back at Thomas Gainsborough School.”
Among the principal roles were James Thomas (Fagin), Isabelle Mustoe (Nancy) and Benjamin Forth making his school debut in the lead role of “Oliver” while head of music, Nick Reynolds, led the live band.
Jo praised the leading role of sixth form performing arts students, especially in supporting some of their younger peers.
She added: “I think performing arts has arguably been the hardest hit subject in the last couple of years as it is impossible to replicate live performances. We’ve adapted well to remote learning but they have still missed out on that buzz.
“I think that is why Oliver was so special. It was great to have live shows back and the students were so excited about getting back on the stage.”