Pupils go footloose in 80s show
TYTHERINGTON School pupils donned ra-ra skirts, legwarmers and fluorescent accessories for their Back to the 80s school production.
The show was based on the musical written by Neil Gooding, which tells the story of the 1989 graduating class of William Ocean High as seen through the eyes of the narrator, Corey Palmer Sr, who is now living in the year 2001.
The show saw more than 50 pupils dance in the style of the era, acting as the fictional school’s cool kids, the nerds and the regular kids and performing classic 80s pop songs including Kenny Loggins’ Footloose, Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart.
The end of year performance, produced and directed by Rachel Fellows, head of drama, and drama teacher, Jess Higgins, took place on four consecutive evenings, allowing pupils to showcase their skills in front of more than 1,000 people. Performances included some for Tytherington School’s partner primary schools.
Student teacher Jenna Finnigan choreographed the show and head of music Dave Liley took on the role of Musical director.
Clare Wearne was responsible for putting together the colourful costumes.
Headteacher Manny Botwe said: “Yet again our performing arts departments have put together a fantastic show.
“Well over 50 students across the full age range took part in the performance.
“At a time when education seems to be dominated by talk of league tables, statistics and numbers, I am delighted that we have chosen to make time for young people to develop their full range of talents, whatever they may be.
“I am extremely proud to be the headteacher of Tytherington School.”