The Lion King Jr was our first Middle School production at Shebbear College, including pupils from Prep 3 through to Form 2, giving our younger children the chance to be a part of a show with a real theatre experience. The children were absolutely outstanding with 7 and 8 year olds working with our senior school pupils on this really well known musical.
We had some truly fantastic performances. Young Simba (Sebastian - prep 6) and Young Nala (Maeva - prep 6) performed excellently and with true conviction. They then passed the "baton" onto Simba (Barney - form 1) and Nala (Annabelle L - form 1) who were absolutely fantastic. Zazu (Louis - form 2) was brilliantly witty and Mufasa (Tyler - form 1) was exceedingly convincing as Simba's father and in fact reduced many of the audience to tears in his death scene! The antagonist, Scar (Tom - form 2) performed "Be Prepared" exceptionally well and brought a really chilling evilness to the role. The three lead hyenas were truly fantastic, and demonstrated how well pupils at Sheb work so well across year groups. Shenzi (Ashton - form 2), Banzai (Marley - prep 5) and Ed (Charlie - form 2) worked magnificently together and performed with real pride. Some true heros of the week were our Timone (Harry - form 1) and Pumbaa (Rohan - form 1) who took "comedy timing" to another level and had us crying with laughter. The chorus of Prep 3 and 4 children were truly enthusiastic in their performing and singing, and the lioness and grasslands ensembles were graceful and poised in their fantastic dances.
Head of Creative and Performing Arts, Mrs Sadler-Smith, said "I have been absolutely blown away with the commitment of these youngsters. Right from the offset with their rendition of "The Circle of Life" led by our impeccable Rafiki (Hattie), the children made a fantastic sound which soared through the whole school. It truly was immense!"
This really was a feel good show!
