At the end of April, Musical Theatre Club presented an evening of musical theatre from musicals based on books.
Director, Helen Coad, said, “Reading matter has long been an inspiration for Musical Theatre. Showboat (1927), the first musical to go beyond the revue or operetta style, was based on Edna Ferber’s best-selling 1926 novel of the same name. Another classic novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1901) has since stood the test of time inspiring a handful of musicals including The Wizard of Oz (1939), The Wiz (1974) and Wicked (2003). Although initially met with negative reviews, the musical adaption of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserable is now the longest running musical on the West End. In recent years, adaptations featured on both Broadway and West End have included The Notebook (2024), Water for Elephants (2023), The Great Gatsby (2024), The Time Traveller’s Wife (2022), The Devil wears Prada (2024), and a new musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s iconic coming-of-age novel Little Women – Jo – the Little woman musical – will gets its world premiere in the West End later this year.”
The evening featured music inspired by the following books:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl
Wicked – Gregory McGuire
Little Orphan Annie (comic) – Harold Grey
Tales of the South Pacific – James A. Michener
Oliver Twist – Charles Dickens
Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew – Dr Seuss
Sweet Thursday – John Steinbeck
Matilda – Roald Dahl
Just So Stories – Rudyard Kipling
Zoe (Y8) said, “Musical theatre evening was so much fun! This was my first time doing it as a Year 8, and it was great being around so many people who all love the same thing. My favourite numbers to do were definitely ‘One Short Day’ and ‘Consider Yourself’, as they were really lively and exciting. I can’t wait to do it next year!”
Isabel (U6) said, “The musical theatre evening was such a joy to be a part of. I have loved forming friendships with the younger year groups this year during our lunchtime rehearsals. We were all so excited to be performing in something together and particularly enjoyed ‘When I grow up’ which sounded fantastic and had a really energetic dance. As an Upper Sixth, I know I will miss everyone at musical theatre club next year.”
