The Arts @ Stratton

"I don't think we're in Kansas anymore".

It's hard to believe that just over a year ago we decided that our first production as a Secondary School would be the Wizard of Oz.  We wanted to choose a real family orientated show which would be suitable for all year groups to come together and we wanted it to be a larger than life experience where we could bring the yellow brick road out into the audience and immerse them in the adventure of Dorothy and her friends.

Our new intake arrived in September and did their first "Stratton" audition.  If they wanted a speaking part they had to sing on their own and all students learned a dance routine from the show and workshopped some of the scenes with Mr Guiver who also was new to Stratton in September.  Rehearsals started and it was very clear to see what a dedicated and talented group they were and slowly a brilliant production started to take shape.

It is so hard to visualise what things will look like until the stage is built and set is in.  Having our Yellow Brick Road encompassing some of our audience was very exciting to see take shape.  With just one week to go before the show the set was in place and this creates its own challenges as the stage crew come to terms with wheeling large pieces of scenery around and making sure the cast and crew remain safe in the wings as these larger than life bits of furniture get in the way.  

We are lucky to be part of Meridian Trust who provide us with a dedicated, professional team to run lighting and sound for our productions and they always take the time to teach our students enabling them to run lights and sound themselves in future productions.

Show week came and went in a blur. It is hard when you're in the midst of show week to take stock and be amazed at the achievements of the students and staff involved, but when the audience in the immersive area were joining in with their party poppers, poppies and blowing bubbles and parents and staff watching say that it is the best one so far we know we can be very proud.  

Adam as our clumsy but clever Scarecrow, Elisa our captivating and encouraging Dorothy, Sam played the cowardly king of the forest and  Peace as our stiff but caring Tin Man were all absolutely fantastic.  Flory and Ivy were truly magical as our Glinda and West Witch and could give Ariana and Cynthia a run for their money.

One of the highlights was watching the cast improvise each night as our leads had to make a very quick change from their Oz characters back in their Kansas counterparts.  Much hilarity as Uncle Henry, the Sheriff and others filled the space to cover until everyone was ready.  Another highlight was the Jitterbug dance created by Jas Staunton, Stratton Alumni and local dance teacher.  We are always grateful that Jas continues to support Strattons productions in this way.

We might not be in Kansas anymore but we are definitely in the land of what next.  We are looking forward to our KS3 production of Midsummer Night's Dream on 21st - 22nd May 2025 and then our production next year?  Well ... that's top secret for now.  Watch this space.

Mrs Lawson

Cabaret Night Returned this year..... A huge success as 50+ students and staff performed to a packed audience. More in the summer term!!