Yahoo News Top of the Poppins: Aycliffe performers stage supercalifragilisticexpialidocious show
YOUNG performers at a County Durham school wowed audiences with their spirited rendition of Mary Poppins.
Children from local primary schools and parents were invited to a run of four performances of the Disney classic at Greenfield Academy, in Newton Aycliffe.
Drama teacher Amy Thurley, who directed the show, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our talented cast and crew who have worked so hard to put on such an amazing show.
“A big production like this relies on the support and dedication of the families of the children involved, and we’re incredibly grateful for all their support.
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“We’re overjoyed with the feedback from our audiences – parents have told me that thanks to this show, their child is now seriously considering studying performing arts in further education, and someone else said it’s been a game-changer for their Year 7 daughter, helping her settle in, make friends, and boost her confidence.
“This is wonderful to hear, and it’s a fantastic illustration of why it’s so important to us to embed drama and performance within our school and community. The role of the performing arts is crucial and special; the confidence it develops in children is incredible.”
Students performed the show four times at the school – which is part of the Advance Learning Partnership – including three evening performances and a matinee.
Madison Dixon, 15, brought the titular magical nanny to life, while her fellow Year 10 student Chloe Craig delighted audiences as Bert the Chimney Sweep – roles made famous by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.
Madison Dixon and Chloe Craig starred as Mary Poppins and Bert (Image: Greenfield Academy)
Year 7’s Evie Bell and Dexter Smith played Jane and Michael Banks – the children Mary Poppins comes to care for – while Year 8’s Ava Birbeck and James Dean portrayed their parents: suffragette Winifred Banks and workaholic George Banks.
(Image: Greenfield Academy)
(Image: Greenfield Academy)
Amy Aspland, Head of School, said: “I am very grateful to our staff members who dedicated their nights and weekends to make this happen, working with the children to help them shine like the superstars that they are, and especially to our director, Miss Thurley.
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“Watching the children perform filled me with pride.
"It was particularly heart-warming to see so many of our younger children involved in the show, including playing lead roles. There was a true sense of family amongst our cast and crew.
“There really is only one word that does it justice: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!”
