Junior drama students strike gold
MORE than 70 students stepped into the spotlight in Ripon Grammar School’s latest junior drama production, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Students shone both onstage and behind the scenes in this memorable celebration of talent, teamwork and creativity.
From acting and singing to backstage organisation and technical support, the production gave pupils across multiple year groups the opportunity to contribute and develop new skills while forming lasting friendships.
With the key role of producers in the capable hands of Year 10 students Katy Stapley-Hinton and Millie Piggott, and choreography masterminded by Year 7 student Hanna Nowaczek, this production truly sparkled.
Among those taking centre stage was 13-year-old James McGrath from Harrogate, who played the iconic role of Willy Wonka.
The 13-year-old, from Harrogate, recently played the Artful Dodger in the school’s production of Oliver! and also performs with the Stagecoach youth drama company.
Although he found his demanding schedule of managing rehearsals and learning lines his biggest challenge, he has embraced every opportunity to perform.
“Drama has given me the chance to widen my friendships and get to know people I otherwise wouldn’t have talked to,” he said. “I try to get involved with all the drama opportunities at school, from House drama to the whole school show.”
Although he also enjoys football, cricket, swimming, singing, piano and guitar, he hopes to pursue a career in acting while also studying for a university degree.
“It’s definitely something I’d love to do in the future,” he added.
Another standout performer was Oliver Robertson, 13, who took on the role of Mr Bucket. Although he says he joined the production ‘just for fun’, Oliver found the experience rewarding and memorable.
His biggest challenge came during the Golden Ticket scenes, but he said one of the highlights was meeting new people and watching the entire production come together.
Outside drama, Oliver enjoys cricket and tennis and hopes one day to work in civil, motor or aerospace engineering. Reflecting on the experience, he said: “Effort is everything.”
Francesca Kirkman, 14, who played the narrator, described acting as her lifelong passion and said she always takes part whenever school productions are announced.
“For me, acting is the thing I enjoy the most,” she said. “I love stepping into a character’s shoes and looking at the world through their eyes.”
Francesca is involved in a wide range of school activities, including Musicality, Wind Band, Junior Wind Band and Lighthouse. She said the production helped her make many new friends and provided ‘an awesome time’ for everyone involved.
Having one of the largest speaking roles in the show meant learning lines quickly became her biggest challenge, but she rose to it successfully.
Francesca has already built an impressive list of RGS stage credits, including roles in Knives Out, Legally Blonde, Oliver Twist and Gnomeo & Juliet productions.
The production showcased not only the performers on stage, but also the dedication of students working behind the scenes on costumes, props, lighting, sound and organisation.
Together, they created a vibrant and energetic performance that highlighted the confidence, creativity and teamwork thriving within the school’s junior drama community.
Ripon Grammar School, 16 Clotherholme Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2DG
Tel: 01765 602 647
E: admin@ripongrammar.com
