School productions

“Omigod you guys!” From the opening number students of Hove Park got its audience in the pink with their vibrant, all-singing, all-dancing infectious production of the musical “Legally Blonde”. The romantic comedy with an edge was just the ticket for Valentine’s week. The show, which played to a packed house for three nights, tells the story of a college sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods (Keira Osborn-Adams) who does not take no for an answer. When her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III (Ollie Hawes), dumps her for someone more ‘serious’ she follows him to Harvard Law School to win him back. While at Harvard she realises she has her own interests and intelligence and is actually an impressive and very capable person in her own right. The musical opens on a high note with the irresistible and sassy sorority sisters (Alicia Abdalla, Grace Maclean, Francesca Gibb, Sofia Hill) sashaying around the stage singing the catchy number “Omigod you guys!” Keira plays an engaging bubbly, Elle Woods, whose strikingly powerful vocals bring depth and quality to the role. It is her ability, however, to convince the audience of Elle’s transformation from a ditsy airhead to a formidable lawyer that shows the extraordinary quality of her acting ability. Alfie Jukes’ excellent comic timing is well cast as the Emmett Forrest the quirky, sensitive law student who takes Elle under his wing. Daisy Seaborne as Paulette, the funny owner of the local “Hair Affair” gave a polished performance and was able to belt out a powerful rendition of ‘Ireland’ which matched her personality. Ollie Hawes has the charm and charisma needed for the role of Warner Huntington III. Mai Bolingbroke is an assured and strong intellectually driven stuck-up, wealthy law student Vivienne Kensington. There are also many other outstanding individual performances too including Ronan Doyle who is aptly cast as the handsome Kyle B. O’Boyle the smooth-talking, Irish dancing, hunk of a UPS deliveryman. Toby Lloyd a very believable pompous and manipulative Professor Callahan who is able to turn from charismatic academic to a shark in a flash. Aimie Eckworth-Jones is dynamic in her role as Brooke Wyndham leading a clear voiced energetic troop of skipping prisoners in an aerobic tour de force. The Geek Chorus, Delta Nus, Harvard Gang and the People of Boston ensured that the staged buzzed with energy and colour. Special canine guests Tetley Cash as the cute ‘Rufus’ and Ollie Farah as adorable, beastly “Bruiser”. Jim Roberts, Head Teacher said: “This was an amazing and uplifting performance by a talented cast and crew - and dogs - which was full of fun and a powerful reminder that ‘staying true to yourself never goes out of style’.” The production, directed by Drama Teacher, Ms Chloe Holt, who “Whipped [the cast] in to Shape” which paid dividends on stage as the performance was tightly polished, with brilliantly-slick choreographed numbers. Full of upbeat, catchy songs, jaw-dropping dance moves and a wardrobe of vibrant costumes, backstage support, lighting and sound made this school production a real stage spectacular worthy of the West End. Reporter: Mia Hollis, Head Girl View all the photos on our Facebook page, and don't forget to like us!

Bright, colourful, energetic and uplifting was the Hove Park’s production of Hairspray. Full of upbeat, catchy songs, jaw-dropping dance moves and a wardrobe of vibrant costumes, make it a real stage spectacular which made you want to get up and out of your seat and dance along. Jim Roberts, Headteacher said: “The students have put on absolutely fantastic show. An amazing performance which delivered the serious message of integration and understanding whilst remaining upbeat and full of joy. Well done to all involved - cast, crew and technicians. I felt like I'd had a night in the West End!” The show is set in Baltimore in 1962 where, against the odds, overweight teenager Tracy Turnblad lands a role dancing on her favourite TV programme, The Corny Collins Show. She uses her new-found fame to fight for integration of black and white dancers on the show, putting her own future at risk for what she believes in. Helen Davies, Chair of Governors said: "Wow! What a fabulous evening. So many talented young people, who had obviously put in many hours of rehearsals. And such dedication from the staff who were behind it all. It was so uplifting." The production, directed by Drama Teacher, Ms Chloe Holt, was tightly polished, with brilliantly-slick choreographed numbers. There are also plenty of outstanding individual performances too. Daisy Seaborne is a natural Tracy Turnblad. There’s a sparkling quality to her performance. Cate Bailey is wondrously villainous as Velma Von Tussle, producer of The Corny Collins Show, who will go to any lengths possible to see her daughter Amber (the vivacious Ruby Cooper) succeed. Mya Dorman’s vocals are powerful and her performance is strong and sassy as Motormouth Maybelle who is the owner of the downtown record store and host of Negro Day. Alfie Jukes brings just the right mix of confidence, hesitancy and stereotypical jock to the part of Link. Francesca Gibbs is outstanding in the comic yet touching role of Penny Lou Pingleton. Safwan Elaattaoui's energy and sharp wit brings the hip and hop together playing Seaweed J. Stubbs. There are some brilliantly comic moments courtesy of Alex Scott who plays Wilbur Turnblad, Tracy’s father, and Alfie Martin as her mother Edna (the part is traditionally played by a man in drag). The chorus vocals provide the pizazz and drive that really bring out the feel of the 60’s. Mai Bolingbroke Year 10

Earlier this month Hove Park School was proud to present a show that celebrated the school's performing achievements over the last six years. By reviving songs of musicals performed in the past it reminded us of how students have enriched our community. The first half of the show consisted of songs from Oliver (2012, Les Miserable (2016) and Little Shop of Horrors (2013). There was an array of solos, duets and company numbers that continued into the second act. This second act focused on musicals that have yet to hit the West End, Hamilton, which swept the board last year at the Tony Awards, is a sensational musical, the cast certainly embraced this with a moving performance of the opening song “Alexander Hamilton”. Both Acts finished with foot stomping crowd-pleasers, the school rock band and orchestra accompanied “I want It all” in the first act while “Everybody Needs Somebody” finished the evening. The whole evening was presented by two year 8 pupils and the sound, and lighting were also operated by pupils. This was a truly a whole school event with all year groups represented in front and behind the scenes. Well done to all who took part!