Students Bring ‘Annie’ to Life to Wow the Entire Community
By Schools Correspondent
Students at Worle Community School Academy (WCSA) in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset bringing the much-loved musical Annie to the stage later this month, with four performances taking place over Wednesday and Thursday, January 28 and 29.
The production includes two daytime matinees – one for local primary schools and another as a special rewards performance for WCSA students – alongside two public evening shows starting at 6pm.
Students and staff have been rehearsing relentlessly for months as they bring their talents to the full for the school and wider community.
The local primary schools Mead Vale and St Martin’s will have afternoon matinees.
Headteacher Mark Tidman said: “Everyone is super excited to see this brilliant team of performers together to entertain the school and wider community.”
Set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, Annie tells the heart-warming story of a young orphan determined to find her parents after being left on a doorstep with only a half-locket and a note.
The role of Annie is shared by two students in a dual cast: Sophie Stansfield in Year 10 and Florence Lythgoe in Year 7, giving both performers the opportunity to shine.
WCSA Assistant Headteacher Christopher Pickles is part of the star cast playing Oliver Warbucks.
The production showcases strong collaboration beyond the school, with Weston College’s hair and makeup department working alongside students to provide a professional, “West End-style” experience.
Weston College has also supported the show by lending professional sound equipment.
Local businesses have also rallied behind the production, with The Grand Pier and Puxton Park donating raffle prizes to help support the school’s arts programme.
The show is directed and produced by Shikoni Rundle, with vocal and musical direction led by Emma Burlinson and Florence Wadley.
Shikoni said: “There is a unique kind of joy that comes from working with young people on a show like Annie.
“Watching students grow in confidence from nervous auditions to commanding the stage is a privilege. This production is a celebration of community, resilience and the wonder that happens when a school family comes together.
“This production is a celebration of community; it’s about the resilience of our youth and the magic that happens when a school family comes together.
“Seeing the support from local colleges and businesses has been overwhelming, and that spirit of togetherness is exactly what we want our audience to feel when the curtain opens.”
