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Hutchesons’ has a friendly and vibrant Performing Arts department where pupils can hone their performance skills in both small, intimate performances and large-scale productions.
Our experienced and enthusiastic music and drama teachers are passionate educators who encourage our pupils to take to the stage to perform in both classical and modern musical concerts and plays. They are particularly good at spotting the hidden talents of our pupils and can support them to embrace the limelight and let their voices be heard.
Curiosity, Creativity and Compassion are three of the School’s six values and are at the heart of the Performance Arts Department and evident in all its concerts and shows.
This ambitious music concert marked the school’s post-covid return to large scale performances in front of an audience.
The concert showcased our incredibly talented pupils who played a range of Brit pop hits to a full-house on both nights.
There was something for everyone – rock tracks from the likes of Oasis and powerful pop ballads from Emilé Sande and Adele.
With three performance stages set up around the hall and the audience seated at large tables, the performances ran seamlessly together and created an authentic music awards ceremony vibe.
“The Night at the Brits show was, frankly, unbelievable. To conceive, organise, perform and produce a show lasting over two hours, spread across three stages hosting around 20 acts, together with professional sound, lighting and effects, was an incredible achievement. The fact that almost the entire event was created, rehearsed and performed by the pupils and staff, over and above execution of their normal duties, deserves the highest praise.
Iona has received generous encouragement and support from the Music Department staff, Iona’s solo vocal with a full orchestral backing really blew me away. She received many compliments on her performance, and these have given her great reassurance about her ability and reinvigorated her desire to reach for the next level. I am very confident that the Musical Department, under Mr. Rhodes’ excellent stewardship, will continue to nurture and support her in achieving her goals.”
S3 Iona’s father.
“The ‘Night at The Brits’ was a truly fantastic evening of entertainment. The variety of performances allowed all of the musicians and vocalists a unique opportunity to show their talents. The professional setting of the hall with sound, lighting and effects was quite spectacular.
The enthusiasm and dedication of Mr Rhodes and all of the staff in the music and drama department is really special and it’s plain for us as parents to see just how much the pupils love to perform. The encouragement Katie has had both with her own singing and together with the trust placed in her to lead, help and encourage younger pupils has really shone through in her performances and will be so valuable to her in the years to come.”
S6 Katie’s father.
“Hutchesons’ certainly knows how to put on a show. I had the pleasure of attending The Brits concert and what a night it was. From the ushers guiding us to our tables to the performers on stage it was simply an exhilarating evening. I cannot applaud the music department enough for all their efforts. After such a turbulent couple of years, it truly was a breath of fresh air to see the children on the stage. Their performances were outstanding, it’s wonderful that there is so much talent within the school & that they are supported to showcase those talents.”
S4 Bow’s mother.
The end-of-year Senior Show is one of the most highly anticipated dates in the performance calendar and our pupils were desperate to get back on stage after a two year forced absence due to the worldwide pandemic.
At Hutchesons’ the Performing Arts department is highly experienced in putting on big scale musical productions like Grease and We Will Rock You but this year, with still some uncertainty around Covid remaining, the department chose a show that required a smaller cast and crew.
And while it may not be as well known as the big Broadway shows, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum was a laugh-a-minute comedy musical that gave our talented pupils a stage on which to showcase their comedic timing – and they excelled themselves. The audience loved the performance!
“Just brilliant, a real treat! Thanks to everyone involved, you made my week.”
“Congratulations to all involved, so funny it was brilliant!”
“Fantastic show, loved it, well done to all the cast, crew, staff and musicians involved”
Throughout the year pupils get the opportunity to perform a variety different genres – they are introduced to a broad range of musical and dramatical styles and are encouraged to explore opportunities out with their comfort zone.
Music performance pupils enjoyed taking part in the Ensembles Concert, Mozart Requiem and the Christmas Carol concert while our actors entertained in Penelope Skinner’s haunting Play Meek during the Spring term. Our S1 and S2 show Into the Woods impressed the audience.
