Magical Fairfax Academy musical – 100 students stage Beauty and the Beast

A Magical Fairfax Academy musical told a tale as old as time when talented students staged a lavish production of Beauty and the Beast.

The show featured more than 100 students.
The Magical Fairfax Academy musical featured more than 100 students.

More than 100 students took part in performances on July 12th and 13th, in the first major musical staged at the Fairfax Road school since the start of the pandemic.

Based on the Disney version of the famous fairy tale, the production included colourful costumes, choreographed dance routines and much-loved songs, all backed by the school’s brilliant young musicians.

160 auditioned for magical Fairfax Academy musical

Director Adam Sheppard said: “In May, over 160 students auditioned for this year’s musical, and it was clear, post COVID, that this show was going to be something special.

Beauty and the Beast featured choreographed dance routines.
Beauty and the Beast featured choreographed dance routines.

“Casting the show was near impossible, so a decision was made to involve all students in some way for the show – from cast members to the orchestra and the backstage team, costume makers and technical support. We just couldn’t turn anyone away!

“We have spent the last 12 weeks staging this production and are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished.

“It is a daunting task undertaking a story that most watchers will already know; however, we could not have asked any more from the young people involved to produce the rendition we have – we are so very proud of them all.”

The show featured fabulous costumes.
The magical Fairfax Academy musical featured fabulous costumes.

Principal Deborah Bunn said: “It was wonderful to invite audiences back into school to see a full musical again.

“I want to thank everyone involved in the production for creating a show which even surpassed the high standards that Fairfax is known for. They have worked so hard, but it really did pay off when the curtain went up.”

“Casting the show was near impossible, so a decision was made to involve all students in some way for the show – from cast members to the orchestra and the backstage team, costume makers and technical support. We just couldn’t turn anyone away!”
– Director Adam Sheppard

For more on Fairfax Academy, click here.

To visit the Fairfax Academy website, click here.

Gary Phelpshttp://garyphelpscomms.co.uk
Gary is an award-winning journalist who has edited nine newspapers and helped launch numerous online news brands. He created UK School News and Sutton School Life to provide platforms for local schools to share positive news stories, helping them engage with their local communities and celebrate their successes. He has appeared on TV and radio on numerous occasions, presented evidence to Government ministers, lobbied on behalf of the media industry and trained dozens of young journalists. Gary was an Associate Lecturer in Journalism at the University of Derby, and has also advised Wolverhampton College's award-winning Journalism course accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Latest news

Fairfax Academy celebrated for excellence in inclusive education

Fairfax Inclusive Education Award: Fairfax Academy has been recognised nationally, winning the Best Practice for Inclusive Education Award at the 2026 Business Education...

Fairfax’s Oliver wins Best Individual Speaker at Sutton Schools Debates

Fairfax Best Individual Speaker award: A talent for debate, developed through Fairfax Academy’s Debating Club, paid off for sixth former Oliver Murdoch,...

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School triumphs at Sutton Schools Debates 2026

Sutton Schools Debates 2026: Two gifted young debaters from Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School won the coveted trophy at this year’s Sutton Schools...

JLR visits Erdington Academy in inspirational day for Year 9 students

JLR visits Erdington Academy: Year 9 students had an unforgettable experience at last week’s REACH Out event in partnership with Jaguar Land...

Related news

Fairfax Academy celebrated for excellence in inclusive education

Fairfax Inclusive Education Award: Fairfax Academy has been recognised nationally, winning the Best Practice for Inclusive Education Award at the 2026 Business Education...

Fairfax’s Oliver wins Best Individual Speaker at Sutton Schools Debates

Fairfax Best Individual Speaker award: A talent for debate, developed through Fairfax Academy’s Debating Club, paid off for sixth former Oliver Murdoch,...

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School triumphs at Sutton Schools Debates 2026

Sutton Schools Debates 2026: Two gifted young debaters from Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School won the coveted trophy at this year’s Sutton Schools...

JLR visits Erdington Academy in inspirational day for Year 9 students

JLR visits Erdington Academy: Year 9 students had an unforgettable experience at last week’s REACH Out event in partnership with Jaguar Land...