Students Bring Annie to Life and Wow the Entire Community
By Schools Correspondent
Students at Worle Community School Academy (WCSA) in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset have brought the much-loved musical Annie to life in a run of spectacular performances that delighted hundreds of children, parents and members of the wider community.
Across four performances, students performed to packed audiences including pupils from Mead Vale Primary School, Mendip Green Primary School and St Martin’s School, alongside families and local residents at the evening shows.
The production featured two daytime matinees – one welcoming local primary schools and another as a special rewards performance for WCSA students – as well as two sold-out public evening performances.
For many of the younger audience members, it was their first experience of live theatre.
They also raised hundreds of pounds for the Weston Hospicecare charity with donations for refreshments.
Dozens of students were involved in the production from acting to marketing.
Headteacher Mark Tidman said:
“The performances were simply outstanding. Our students rose to the occasion and delivered something special which was throughly enjoyed by everyone. We are ultra proud of every single one of them".
The role of Annie was shared by two students in a dual cast – Sophie in Year 10 and Florence in Year 7 – both of whom impressed audiences with their confidence and powerful performances.
WCSA Assistant Headteacher Christopher Pickles took on the role of Oliver Warbucks, performing alongside students and adding to the sense of a true whole-school production.
The show was directed and produced by Shikoni Rundle, with vocal and musical direction led by Emma Burlinson and Florence Wadley.
Shikoni reflected on the journey of the cast:
“Watching the students grow from nervous auditions to confidently commanding the stage in front of hundreds of people has been amazing. They supported one another, worked incredibly hard and delivered performances they should be immensely proud of.”
The production also benefited from strong collaboration beyond the school. Weston College’s hair and makeup department worked alongside students to provide a professional, West End-style finish, while the college also supported the show by lending professional sound equipment.
Local businesses, including The Grand Pier and Puxton Park, donated raffle prizes to help support the school’s arts programme.
