Show Review

Not many people realise that for three nights last week, dangerous flesh-eating plants that live off the blood of human beings were poised to take over the Rossendale Valley and then the world! They were at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School anyway, as they staged a spectacular version of the musical Little Shop of Horrors.

Under the artistic direction of Alastair Whyte (Head of Religious Studies) and the musical direction of Steven Mercer (Music) the students taking part in the production delivered stunning performances. Students from all years had roles to play in the production which was sold out for each night. The vocal performances of all the cast were faultless and particular mention should go to Joe Hodgson who was the voice of Audrey II, the man-eating plant. His delivery really brought the plant to life.

Equally impressive were the Ronnettes who were onstage for most of the production and delivered some superb harmonies. They were involved in almost every musical number in the show and put in outstanding performances, especially Catherine Atkinson who was performing in a school production for the first time.

Never was the adage “the show must go on” more true than for some of the cast who were suffering from illness during the production. Scott Bellas was recovering from food poisoning on the first night of the performance, and James Hesketh dragged himself out

of bed for each night’s performance as he was suffering from flu! Fortunately, Hannah Roupee who played the love interest in the musical was enjoying full health and delivered her usual faultless performance, especially in her song “Somewhere That’s Green”.

Josh Brown played the crazy dentist (performed by Steve Martin in the film version of the musical) and was suitably manic as he laughed himself to death as he got stuck inside his laughing-gas mask.

Meanwhile inside the giant model plant that is at the centre of the story was Biology teacher Andrew King who must have lost pints of water each night as he sweated his way through the performance inside the plant which he operated each night. “I know I’m a biology teacher,” he said, “but this is ridiculous!”

Behind every successful musical is a successful band, ably conducted by our new Head of Music, Jo Tierney and consisting of past and present students of BRGS alongside the Headmaster, Marc Morris, on guitar.

The school thanks the readers of the Free Press for their kind response to a request for props. In particular Denpoint Dentists in Waterfoot who were able to loan some old dentistry equipment including a suitably horrifying drill. Also Bygone Antiques in Ramsbottom who loaned a number of items that really helped to bring the set alive.

It is with anticipation that we await the next dramatic performance at BRGS – an original production of Great Expectations written by English teacher Ben Ventress to be performed in two parts over two nights in March.