A DERBY school is taking centre stage with three of its pupils cast in a popular Derby production.
Three pupils from Walter Evans School in Darley Abbey – part of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) – have landed roles in Oliver at Derby Theatre – including the role of Oliver itself.
Nine-year-old Claudia Burton – playing the role of Oliver – is not only a girl taking on a traditionally male role, but also shows great determination, performing on stage with the support of two chaperones due to congenital nystagmus, a condition that makes her partially sighted and sensitive to bright lights.
A member of Josh Jones Drama Academy and Adele Francesa Performance Academy, Claudia said: “I have already performed in Oliver with my drama school, but the audience here is much bigger and more daunting.
“It’s a bit nerve-racking on stage, but I really enjoy it and hope one day to be doing it regularly as a singer.
“It’s funny playing a boy – I have to try and hide my long hair and get into the role before I go on stage, but its lots of fun.
“I also wear a pair of special glasses that are sort of old-timely looking to keep in with the costume, but they help me on stage.
“I would say to anyone with a disability who wants to perform – give it a try and don’t let anything hold you back. If you really want it, I’m sure you would be really good at it.”
Pupils from the school have had the chance to watch their peers on stage as part of a school trip, giving them the opportunity to see a live theatre performance.
Year 3 pupil Jude Chadwick and Year 6 pupil Anay Ruparel are also enjoying time out of school lessons, playing the roles of workhouse and Fagin’s boys in the production.
This isn’t the first time Anay has appeared before a large live audience at Derby Theatre, as he recently starred in Alice in Wonderland and is a member of Harry King Scott Youth Theatre Group.
He said: “I am really proud to be part of this Oliver production, as I think it’s an even better version of it.
“I don’t get nervous really, as I just enjoy performing, though sometimes I am so tired after a late-night performance and have school the next day, but the school have been really supportive and understanding.
“Being in Oliver is amazing because it really breaks the wall – it feels like the audience is part of the story and its great being on stage with some other stars in the show who I find really inspiring.”
The production – which is in The Derby Theatre until Jan 3rd – has three casts, with pupils split across them, meaning the school proudly has a pupil in each performance.
Jude, a member of HA Dance Company, where he studies dance, musical theatre, modern, tap, and ballet, said: “My biggest inspiration is my mum, as she is in lots of plays and I feel so proud when I go and watch her – especially recently when she was in Legally Blonde.
“She picked me up from school one day and told me in the car that I was cast for the part – I felt so excited and happy.
“I find eating sweets helps calm my nerves before I go on stage but it’s really great, I really enjoy it.
“I hope to be a policeman or a dancer one day – all this performing is helping me build up muscles for it.”
Assistant headteacher, Mr Webster, said: “We are so proud to be able to say that three of our pupils are stars in such a popular production and I know our pupils absolutely loved going to watch them.
“It helps inspire other pupils and shows what can be achieved through hard work.”
All three pupils enjoyed rehearsals – some during school time and many in the evenings – taking part in fun warm-ups and games, practising their lines and songs, and working together to bring the production to life.
DDAT Chief Executive Officer Sarah Clark said: “It’s wonderful to see our pupils shining on a professional stage.
“Opportunities like this show students that with dedication and passion, anything is possible.”
-ENDS-
This press release was distributed by Penguin PR. To find out more contact Sarah-Louise Elton on 01332 416228 or by email at [email protected]
