Outstanding ‘Oliver!’ Musical Production: Students at Hewett Academy, Jane Austen College and Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form Return to the Stage

On Thursday 15th, Friday 16th, and Saturday 17th February, students across all Year groups from Inspiration Trust schools, Hewett Academy, Jane Austen College, Jane Austen College Sixth Form, Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form came together for the third consecutive year for an exceptional performance of the well-known musical, ‘Oliver!’ at the Walter Roy Theatre, situated at Hewett Academy.  

Following the success of ‘Grease’ in 2022 and ‘Annie The Musical’ in 2023, the three schools collaborated once again to wow audience members, with professional set, sound, and lighting, accompanied by a talented live orchestra of both staff and students. This year, students from Charles Darwin Primary Academy also took part in the theatre production, having shown a particular aptitude for the performing arts.  

The production has been a spectacular group effort, led by Inspiration Trust’s Secondary Performing Arts Associate, Carmel Hannant. Students gained valuable experience in theatre production, from the audition process through to rehearsals and the final performances. Those who weren’t involved in the production cast were involved in all aspects of the behind the scenes, which included helping backstage, and assisting with costumes, hair and make-up. 

The musical follows the life of a young orphan called Oliver living in Victorian England. After escaping a workhouse and an abusive apprenticeship, he finds himself amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets, and so begins Oliver's whirlwind adventures and his search to find the true love of a family. 

Principal of Hewett Academy, Antony Little said: 

"Year after year, the students at Hewett, Jane Austen and Sir Isaac Newton put on a show-stopping performance - and in 2024, Oliver! was no exception. With its huge ensemble cast, toe-tapping songs and exceptional staging this has been an absolute triumph. It was a show that the whole cast, and the Walter Roy Theatre, can be proud of. All credit goes to the whole team, including the musicians and backstage crew who brought the show to life. It certainly left us wanting more!" 

Head of Performing Arts at Jane Austen College and Director of 'Oliver!', Carmel Hannant said:   

“Once again, it has been a pleasure to work with our students to put on our 2024 musical 'Oliver!' written by the musical genius Lionel Bart. This is my third year of directing and producing the collaborative musical between Jane Austen College, Hewett Academy, and Sir Isaac Newton; and this year, we were very pleased to also involve students from Charles Darwin Primary. Not content on 'upping the ante' last year with our first canine cast member, Paisley - this year Paisley made her return to the stage bringing a couple of recognisable friends with her! 

 

Theatre is not about the limelight, the leading roles, or the applause; it is a holistic experience - the rehearsals, the independent preparation, the discipline, the friendships old and new, the comradery, the fun. And this is down to the incredible team of people working together to create such a wonderful experience for our students. There are countless people that I need to thank for supporting me and the students.  

 

The longer you work in the Inspiration Trust, the more you understand the principles and ethos that underpins our great schools, as well as those who work and study within it. I feel that there is no greater advertisement for that ethos than the productions that we have so proudly presented over the past 3 years and will continue to present in the years to come.” 

Inspiration Trust understands the value of the arts, and every student across all its schools has the opportunity to take part in a variety of performances, including theatre productions, musical performances, and concerts. Recent productions include ‘Legally Blonde’ by East Point Academy and ‘Grease’ by Great Yarmouth Charter, with upcoming performances of ‘Matilda’ by Cromer Academy, ‘Legally Blonde’ by Hethersett Academy, ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’ by Thetford Academy, and ‘Hidden Meanings’ by King Edward VII Academy. To find out more and book tickets, visit the relevant school website.