Grease at Fairfax Academy – Fairfax was transformed into Rydell High this week, as talented students took to the stage to perform the classic musical Grease.
Fairfax’s phenomenal young actors, singers and musicians raised the roof with their adaptation of the much-loved musical, with two packed-out performances on July 17th and 18th – marking the culmination of months of hard work put in by students and staff alike.
From Greased Lightning to the T-Birds and the Pink Ladies, the ambitious school production was rock’n’roll perfection.
The role of Danny Zuko was taken by Leighton Coulson, while Faith Adomah played Sandy Olsson, the role made famous by Olivia Newton-John.
Head of Drama Bethany Cattell, who worked with drama teacher Adelaide Hitchinson to perfect the show, was beaming with pride at the students’ dedication.
She said: “We’ve been rehearsing every Tuesday and Wednesday after school since April, which amounts to four hours of rehearsals every week. Tuesdays were dedicated to the whole ensemble including the singing and music, and Wednesdays were for putting the whole show on stage and working on acting scenes.
“I’m very thankful to the students who have been there every week, and their parents for picking them up and sorting out costumes. We wouldn’t have had such an amazing performance without their efforts.”
Months of rehearsal behind Grease at Fairfax Academy
Alongside the showstopping acting performances on stage, Fairfax students showcased their musical talent, providing the vocals and music to Grease’s classic songs.
Head of Music David Ashford worked alongside music teacher and vocal coach Louise Sharratt to bring the iconic showstoppers to the stage.
Mr Ashford said: “We knew all the parents would know the songs really well, so we had to work hard on the key numbers, making sure the singers knew the melodies and harmonies, and the band knew what they were doing.
“It all came together wonderfully.”
Students played piano, guitar and drums alongside professional musicians from Services for Education, which provides instruments and music lessons to the Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust through the Birmingham Music Service.
Mr Ashford said: “We’re really thankful to Services for Education for their time. They’re incredible in what they do for our students.”
The success of the performance is testament to Fairfax’s wider culture of extracurricular achievement and appreciation of the arts.
Miss Cattell said: “It’s great because this is a school where it’s not just the staff putting loads of work in and pushing the students to do their best – they WANT to do their best and put on a great show.
“The students are the driving force. They live for performing. You don’t see that everywhere and it’s a pleasure to teach them.”
Fairfax Principal Sean Castle said: “Once again Fairfax has gone above and beyond to produce a show of huge quality. The students clearly enjoyed putting this ambitious production together, and they really rose to the occasion in front of a live audience.
“I’m very grateful to everyone who worked so hard to put this together.”