It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it’s what you do with your dancin’ shoes
Vince Fontaine
Wow! Is the only word that comes to mind having watched Clifton High School’s recent production of Grease; a consortium of incredible talent that showcased the true spirit of our School.
Talking of the pupils involved, Mr Craig Pullen – Head of Drama and Production Director – noted that “they have been courageous, malleable and creative individuals who have challenged and pushed us throughout”.
Showcased in The Redgrave Theatre, the performance was staged with pure professionalism on a more than impressive set and backdrop. Extending over three evenings, from 6th to 8th March 2024, it was a sold-out event enjoyed by many friends, families, staff and community members, all uniting to show their support to the commitment and dedication of the children involved.
Being drawn back to 1959, the audience were treated to an evening of energetic proportions; upbeat and catchy lyrics of the classic 1978 film to sing and applaud along to, filled the theatre with a buzz of excitement. Reinventing Clifton High School into Rydell High School ensured the audience was transfixed by the ‘too-cool-for-school’ flirtations between T-birds and Pink Ladies, all sporting the fashion of the 50’s and paying homage to the satirical storyline surrounding provocative and rebellious teenagers. At the heart of the iconic play is a summer romance between unruly Danny Zuko and the girl-next-door character of Sandy Dumbrowski; complicated by arriving back at Rydell High School which in turn, leads to an upbeat, dynamic and vocal musical show performed by a stage full of all-singing and dancing cast members.
Auditions started in September 2023 and rehearsals commenced shortly after once pupils had been selected for the parts available. With 59 talented cast members in total, plus invaluable band members and a production team consisting of directors, choreographer, costume designers, lighting, sound, backstage crew and make-up artists, the involvement was immense from so many individuals giving up their personal time and energy to ensure it was the success it transpired to be.
The show was incredibly well received and in the words of our current Head of School, Mr Luke Goodman, “for those lucky enough to enjoy the show, I am sure you will agree that the range of talent and collaboration from Year 7 through to Year 13 has been captivating to watch, with contrasting styles and pupils executing roles with true expertise and dedication”.
Director’s Notes
Clifton High School’s Head of Drama, Mr Craig Pullen, wrote on behalf of himself and his Production Team including Mrs Donia Pieters, Head of Senior School Music:
“The enormity of Grease as a production cannot be understated! The enormity of Grease as a production cannot be understated! To take on a production like this needs commitment and resilience in abundance. The cast, crew, orchestra and production team have been simply incredible. The end product is a testament to all their hard work over many months of rehearsal.
As Director of this gigantic production, I felt that it was important that the pupils 'voice' came through within the performance, that they were able to express themselves.
Grease is set in the 1950s, a very different time to those that our pupils at Clifton High are growing up in! But the pupils have embraced all things Grease, fully embodying the characters and relishing the opportunity to perform this all time classic.
At the heart of the story is the romance between hot-rodding gangster Danny Zuko and the sweet new girl in town, Sandy Dumbrowski. They had a secret romance in summer, but now back in the context of school, peer-pressure and cliques make their love a bit more complicated. Can Danny maintain his cool dude status and still make demure Sandy his girl?
The pupils have worked extremely hard, formulating ideas and concepts, pushing themselves in areas that many of them wouldn’t have dreamed they would have ever gone. For this, we are extremely proud of them, they have been courageous, malleable and creative individuals who have challenged and pushed us throughout.
I hope that you enjoy the production as much as we have enjoyed making it.
With Extended Thanks
To all instrumental, vocal teachers, marketing team and the supportive staff at the Redgrave Theatre, we extend our warm thanks and consideration for your support of Clifton High School’s production of Grease the Musical. We could not have done it without you!
Hear from The Cast Members
If you would like to hear more from the incredible actors that made the show their own, read their quotes below
If you would like to view an album of photographs, please click the image below:
