‘Wicked’ West End experience for pupils

The main purpose of the visit was to see the spellbinding and spectacular hit musical ‘Wicked’ on the West End. This award-winning show now forms part of the GCSE Music syllabus so it was invaluable for the pupils to see the songs and music come to life on stage.

The staff and pupils got to meet the stars of the show at the stage door including Louise Dearman who plays Elphaba and Ben Freeman who plays Prince Fiyero. More excitement was to follow the next day with a Drama workshop taken by some of the West End actors from ‘Wicked’.

The group also headed to Covent Garden to the Pineapple Dance Studios for a Drama workshop.

This workshop helped the students improve their improvisation skills and character development with guidance from an experienced actor. A further treat was in store as the pupils got to quiz one of the stars from ‘Wicked’.

This was a fantastic opportunity for the Performing Arts students to ask those ‘all important’ questions about qualifications, training and the demanding work schedule. The pupils were definitely inspired to follow their dreams.

The trip also included sightseeing, a visit to the ‘London Dungeon’, the O2 ‘British Music Experience’ and another West End show, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. This is a new musical, directed by the Oscar-winner Sam Mendes. It was another thoroughly enjoyable show that captivated the audience with the amazing special effects, clever staging and musical talent.

The pupils had a brilliant time and learnt so much about performing on the West End and the demands of being a West End star.