PUBLISHED 04 May 2024
On Friday 3rd May the atmosphere was electric as the drama foyer was packed with excited students waiting for the big announcment: the AKS Musical 2025. The Musical isn't just news for the Performing Arts Department, it has an energy of its own. This year's announcement attracted the biggest crowd we have ever had. Head of Drama and Musical Director, Miss Martha Worthington gave one of her trademark speeches, where she famously drops hints about the chosen musical before the great reveal takes place.
In addition, students were treated to a review of previous years and a captivating show reel of last year's musical, Little Shop of Horrors. Enjoy it here.
Miss Worthington's full speech is below... can you spot the hints?
“Ladies and Gentlemen! May I have your attention please.” Once again, I am proud to say our annual school musical saw another sell-out success with Little Shop of Horrors. It left our audience commenting on the AKS performers, remarking “See how they glisten See this one shine” “And oh, so beautiful”. I felt such pride in each pupil both on and off stage, each, and everyone one of you are “a miracle marvellous rare”.
Usually, we don’t even begin to think about the next production until September. Given the immense pressure of an AKS production “just the thought of it’s enough to make you sick”. But “my lucky friends, never you fear” I knew we had to announce the production this school year. I know many of you sit here right now and wonder, “wait, what’s your rush, what’s your hurry?” Well, I realised, I missed working with the cast and crew because when “we’re together, we’ll do wonders”. Being separated from a team of talented and like-minded creatives made me realise, that recently I had been a “Miserable Woman”.
So, the Performing Arts department sat down and began the selection process for the next production, “Like a perfect machine, we planned”. We knew we had to choose a musical that, was so good it would have our audience shouting, “Whistle, I’ll be there”, a show that would “send them howling”. We knew we had to choose a show that would get “the blood to pound, the heart leap higher!” And just like that we were decided, the rights were in, and contracts signed.
With our audience “Beckoning, Beckoning” for our return, “Seems a downright shame” to make you wait much longer, so “Here we are! Hot from the oven”, “If you get my drift” The PA department are proud to announce the 2025 AKS musical is . . .
SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
Audition packs are included on the QR codes in the photos below and have been posted around school.
All those joining the school in September 2024 are welcome to audition.