Students take centre stage in Heanor Gate's biggest production yet
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After months of preparation and hard work, students and staff at Heanor Gate Spencer Academy were proud to present this year’s whole-school production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
As the academy’s biggest and most ambitious production to date, the show builds on the strong tradition of performing arts at Heanor Gate. Performing Arts colleagues have led rehearsals for more than 50 students from across all year groups, with many evenings spent refining performances and preparing every detail ahead of an exciting week of live theatre.
The production opened with a special performance for Year 6 pupils from local feeder primary schools, offering younger visitors a chance to experience life at Heanor Gate Spencer Academy first-hand. Alongside enjoying the performance, pupils were able to meet staff and students while gaining an insight into the academy’s rich extracurricular offer and vibrant school community. Public performances then followed across three evenings, welcoming families and the wider community to celebrate the students’ achievements.
The talented main cast brought the much-loved story to life, with Emily Box starring as Belle, Daniel Breen as Gaston and Liam Rowland as the Beast. They were supported by an outstanding ensemble cast of 38 students, who performed a variety of roles including Cogsworth, Lumière, villagers, dancers and the iconic “La Filles”.
Behind the scenes, students played an equally important role in the success of the production. A team of 33 skilled make-up artists used theatrical techniques to transform performers ready for the stage, while backstage crews supported with set and costume changes alongside technical production management throughout the performances.
The academy is incredibly proud of every student and member of staff who contributed their time and talent to making the show such a success. The performances were a true celebration of creativity, teamwork and dedication, delivering four unforgettable evenings for the school community.
