Waingels Variety Show
Yet again, Waingels was a proud presenter of sheer hard-work, talent, and dedication with this year’s December musicals. However, this time, it came with a special twist - instead of doing one musical, it was decided that the choice of what to perform would be left up to the students! We could pick either a scene, song, or dance routine of our choice, from a musical of our choice to perform - and this meant that the audience were able to be transported to completely different, yet equally magical and well-loved worlds entirely, ranging from Shiz from the Wicked to Greece from Mamma Mia!
I also took part in the Variety show, and I had the privilege of playing Elphaba from Wicked. I chose to perform the song “I’m Not that Girl”, one of my all-time favourites because of how it beautifully captures emotions of love, yearning and pain in such a sensitive manner. I really have to say - one of the highlights of this was the experience of being painted green; it was my first time, but it most certainly won’t be my last! Along with the solo and group performances, the audience had the opportunity to experience the talent that the Waingels choir as well as Dance Club had to offer. With the choir, I performed three songs - ‘Suddenly Seymour’ from Little Shop of Horrors (this was a favourite among the performers), ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ from Oh, Kay! and of course, ending with a festive one to spread the Christmas spirit - ‘Where Are You Christmas’ from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The Dance Club awestruck the audience with their expressive, polished, and eye-catching moves for the song ‘Helpless’ from Hamilton!
Overall, the Variety Show was certainly a special experience for both the audience as well as the cast and staff involved - rehearsals required hard-work, commitment and resilience; however this paired with our enthusiasm for doing the things we loved ensured that the audience had an unforgettable performance to watch. Performing for primary schools, year 7s, as well as to a larger range of an audience during our opening night was truly amazing - we love sharing and presenting our passion for the arts! The teamwork and bond shared between not only the students of different year groups and ages, but also between the staff and Site and IT teams is truly inspiring! Not only were the performances enthralling and exceptional, but the work that went into making those on-stage shine - whether it be with set designs, backgrounds on the projector screen, or the backing track - was what enhanced the magic of the show.
I would also like say a huge thank you to everyone who played a role in making this performance possible, spending so much effort, time and energy into this - it is because of all of you that I had the privilege of being a part of an experience as rich and wonderful as this!