FULL audiences watched a school’s heartwarming story Community Spirit which wove a tale of friendship between a pensioner and a teenager.
The show, written and directed by Head of Drama Lizzie Anthony, was staged over three nights at Haslingden High School and Sixth Form.
Miss Anthony said: “We had 80 students audition in June and we had cast of 46, that included stage hands.
“I have loved every minute of it. It has been a big challenge for me, but the audience feedback was brilliant. They found it thought provoking, tear jerking and said the performance conveyed an important message.”
Ken, played by Aisha Kirkham, is a pensioner who is grieving the death of his wife while Kieran, played by Alistair Cox, is a teen who has lost his father in a works accident and lost his direction in his life.
After an altercation, both Ken and Kieran end up having to do community service together and eventually they unite behind a common cause.
Miss Anthony said: “I came up with the idea because I live in a small village and we unite for three main events, Remembrance, the Christmas light switch on and a tractor parade, but if something happens that impacts the village, we all come together. Community is really important.
“As director, it was nerve-racking. I was so impressed by the students, they would complete six different subjects in the day, then come to rehearsals for three nights a week. Some needed to get a bus home and so didn’t get back home until 6.30pm.
“The students involved learnt resilience, determination and organisation skills as well as making new friendships.”
Miss Antony thanked Drama teacher Andy Anderson for creating the scenes and organising stage hands and Head of Art Sally Tembo for painting the scenery, as well as Gary Horler for his contributions to the staging.
Alistair, 14, was delighted to secure the main role as Keiran as he has been a member of Footlights Rossendale since he was eight.
He had landed a role in Hollyoaks and one in a new show Dumping Ground, but turned them down because they clashed with his trip to the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea.
Alistair said: “I wanted to get the main role in this show because I have been acting for so long. I have never been in a school show before at Haslingden High School.
“I was quite nervous at the start and my character had to show a lot of different emotions. It was sad when we got to the end of the run because I enjoyed being on stage and the audience loved it.”
Headteacher Russell Clarke said: “Christmas Spirit has been expertly written by our very own champion of drama Miss Antony at the end of the last academic year, with the obvious inspiration being the importance of our community.
“There has never been a more important time to foster a sense of community, to demonstrate what we are capable of when we work together and why in serving and thinking of others can help lift our spirits too.
“The staff and students have worked exceptionally hard and we are very proud of the wonderful show they have collectively created.”
Caption
Aisha Kirkham as Ken with Katie Leonard, who played his wife.
Alistair Cox as Kieran with Aisha Kirkham as Ken.