The Pirates of Penzance

PIRATES OF PENZANCE

Planning for Pirates began in August 2008 when I approached Ben Hambling at Baycourt to see if he would like to direct our school show for 2009. It took us a while to decide on what show to do, we then held auditions and rehearsals commenced on the 25th March. We had a reasonable rehearsal period this time, compared to Joseph in 2007, although the material for Pirates was more challenging and it was a much longer show than Joseph. The students responded positively with a high level of commitment rehearsing in their lunchtimes, after school and weekends learning skills new to many of them.

Our sterling cast was headed up with Sam Lee as Frederic, Cameron Langdon as the Pirate King, Fenella Craig as Ruth, Julia Christellar as Mabel, Thomas Chadwick as the Major General and Jacob O’Conner as the Sergeant. There were 48 students in total onstage and the Pirates orchestra had 5 students and 10 adult players. And who could forget the four Queens?

Pirates was a great success in all areas – the staff, students and parents involved had a great time and it was a wonderful experience for all. Approximately 120 members of our school community had input into the production! Over 2000 audience members, including many who had no affiliation with Aquinas College came to see our production and many of them reported that it was a very polished and professional production of which we could rightly feel proud.

There are so many people to thank who helped make this production come alive! Thanks particularly to Jan Nicholson, Moira Ramsbottom, Monique Baird, Amanda Kuriger, Terry Eggleton, , Monique Balvert-O’Connor, Terry Consedine, Wendy Stewart, Jan Hibberd, Maggie Marriner, and Angela Kell. Thanks to all of the staff members and the incredible office support team who helped with costumes, administration, props and set and thanks of course to Brendan and the Board for providing the financial backing. A HUGE thanks to our sponsors as if we hadn’t had their generous support this would not have been possible. Thanks to Legacy Trust in particular.

Thanks also must go to the many parents who supported the musical by providing shared dinners, transporting the students to and from rehearsals and for offering their help in so many ways. Also thanks to those of you who supported us by coming to see the show. Your support is much appreciated.

A show like this was so successful only because of the commitment and enthusiasm of the cast and what a cast we had! Thanks so much to all involved with “Pirates”

Mrs Maria Colvin
Musical Director of “The Pirates of Penzance” 2009