The chosen musical for 2023 was ‘Evita’, an iconic production and a great challenge for the whole team. Through months of hard work has brought out the best of themselves to deliver an impressive show on stage.
Participating in the activities and events of the Drama and Performing Arts Department means being part of a great tradition. At St. Bede’s several theatrical and musical performances are premiered each year, all of which by far surpass the previous ones in difficulty and accomplishment. For over a century, Bedians have been developing their creativity, communication skills and teamwork on stage, offering a fantastic show to those who have the opportunity to enjoy their performances.
Through drama and musical theatre, our students find a safe space to express themselves freely, to be inspired and to inspire others, as well as to develop their personalities and interests. Some have even discovered their vocation on the school’s stage and in pursuit of their dreams have gone as far as to perform in the most important theatres nationally and internationally.
The chosen musical of this year was ‘Evita’, an iconic production by Andrew Lloyd Webber, recipient of the Tony Award for Best Musical, and turned into a Hollywood film in 1996 starring pop icon Madonna. The musical depicts the historical figure of Eva Perón, actress turned into Argentina’s First Lady.
A benchmark for future performances
Putting together this high-profile musical was possible not only because of the exceptional talent, dedication and commitment of the students, but also because of the professionalism of the Drama and Performing Arts Department that, working in tandem with the Music Department, has managed to create an impressive show from scratch, in which every little detail has been carefully thought out. Mr Dickson, Director of Performing Arts said he chose the musical because, “having seen how talented the students were when I saw ‘Grease’, I thought we could challenge them with something epic“. Along with Miss Stark’s choreography, musical assistance from Mr Davies and Mr Mason backstage, Evita has set a benchmark as one of the most ambitious productions ever staged at St. Bede’s.
As part of the rehearsals, two incredible workshops with musical theatre professionals took place. In early November, Fiona McDougal vocal coach of Oscar-winning actors, and of chart-topping singer-songwriters joined the rehearsals of Evita helping the students to improve their sound quality and held one-to-one sessions with the main cast. The second workshop was with West End star Emma Hatton, who has played the role of Evita herself. She helped the cast to really think about their characters and their purpose. On the advice of the experts, the production only increased in quality.
“Their understanding and precision were extremely professional.
It is a story far beyond her age, but not beyond their talent.”
All the hard work that the 60 plus students involved in Evita put in over the previous months paid off on the opening night. In Mr. Dickson’s own words, “Their understanding, control and precision were extremely professional and commendable. It is a story far beyond her age, but not beyond her talent.” But the show must go on, and the Drama and Performing Arts Department have already set their minds in the next challenge “Romeo and Juliet”, the classic play that will be premiering this summer. Auditions have already begun and the cast of one of Shakespeares most beloved plays will soon be announced. Likewise, the Department has already started preparing for the production of “Legally Blonde”, which will take place in January 2024.
