For the college’s 2026 production, they are performing ‘Matilda’ – the musical adaptation of the Roald Dahl children’s classic.
‘It’s been amazing – it’s the most fun you could possibly have,’ said Alfie Francis, Year 9, who plays the fearsome headmistress Ms Trunchbull in the show.
‘I love that we do stuff like this because it gives people who do drama the opportunity to express themselves.’
The school has orchestrated several theatrical productions before, but the audience was previously largely limited to students and parents. Now, they will bring their show out into the public realm, with their four showings across Thursday, Friday and Saturday already mostly booked out.
‘Knowing we’re performing in a professional theatre has made all our aspirations higher,’ said drama subject lead Justine Vlad.
‘It’s fantastic that the students can have that opportunity to shine. Working with them is always so joyous – they’re not just enthusiastic but also so kind and supportive and very talented.’
Ms Vlad has run the school’s previous productions too, though musicals are still rather new to the college.
‘The first couple shows I did were more straight plays,’ said Ms Vlad.
‘The production team has grown since then so now we have access to so many more resources like costumes, sets, props – all those kind of things that go into making the show.’
Blanchelande students have only ever performed one musical before – Oliver, adapted from Charles Dickens’ novel. Alfie, then in Year 8, also starred in that show as another unsavoury character, portraying the villainous criminal Fagin.
‘I love how you can see how people have developed over the years. I know my ability compared to when I played Fagin has progressed,’ he said.
‘For me, the highlight of doing Oliver was backstage. If there’s one word to describe doing drama, it’s camaraderie, between the cast and the kids but also with the staff. It’s really all down to the amazing team and being blessed with Ms Vlad.’
Ms Vlad echoed the emphasis on the thespians’ backstage rapport, describing it her favourite aspect of working on Blanchelande’s dramatic productions. On stage, meanwhile, she has found a favourite moment from Matilda.
‘My favourite song is ‘When I Grow Up’,’ she said.
‘Watching the students sing it makes me think about how they all have such bright futures ahead of them.’
The show, approximately an hour and 15 minutes long, opens on Thursday with a 7pm showing, which will be followed by three further showings at 7pm on Friday, and 4.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday.
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