Christ Church C of E School’s annual summer production Olivia! went down a storm. The comedy, by Malcolm Sircom, brings together adaptations of scenes from Oliver, My Fair Lady and Annie with a mishmash of characters, storylines and songs inspired by the original musicals.
The show follows the footsteps of orphaned Olivia through Mrs Murdstone’s Orphanage (Olivia asking for LESS slop went down well with the audience) to London, where she befriends Eliza Doolittle and stars in a new Gilbert and Sullivan show, Trial by Judge, when the secret of her past is revealed.
There were great performances and solos from the whole cast (Yrs 3-6), notably twins Lizzie (Olivia) and Jonny (in drag as Mrs Murdstone) who put on sterling and amusing performances, both with excellent voices for their age. The drag theme was extended for Xavi who hilariously portrayed the Fat Lady at the Opera. Hannah (Eliza Doolittle) and Christina (Annie) also sang beautiful solos.
Overall the play was a great success and a refreshing change from the school’s usual performances.
“It was amusing and exciting to watch and be in!” says Maddie Flamank, Yr 3, “All the Year 6s were really good, especially Lizzie as Olivia!”
“Everyone that took part in the play should be very proud of themselves from performers to staff and parents who helped out!” adds Year 6 Teacher Jane Broadis.
Juliet Flamank