Out of this World: Student’s Garner Rave Reviews for Superb Shakespearean-Inspired Musical Production from Outer Space

On Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th March, students from Year 7 to 10 gave an outstanding performance of ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’ to a packed auditorium at Thetford Academy. The production combines music, comedy, and science fiction, and is loosely based on Shakespeare's play, The Tempest.  

Thetford Academy’s Performing Arts Lead and Director of the performance, Ms Hodges, explained that the choice of production this year was heavily influenced by the want to include the talents of the school’s outstanding musicians. The live band made of five students and included a bass, saxophone, guitar, piano and drums performed a plethora of classic rock’n’roll hits from the 60s and 70s, which had audiences singing along and dancing in their seats. 

Performing Arts Technician, Mr Hayes, worked for a full term and a half with the student musicians and also gave an exceptional performance on the drums. This was a bittersweet occasion, as the school says goodbye to Mr Hayes as he embarks on a new challenge at Latitude festival this summer. 

The students were given a taste of what it's like to perform in a professional production, from the initial audition process, through to rehearsals and the final performances. The cast made reciting Shakespeare look effortless, and their on-stage chemistry and outstanding singing voices had the 260-strong audiences in a standing ovation each night.  

The production was accompanied by professional lighting and sound with staff and student technicians on hand throughout. Those that weren’t in the production cast were involved in all aspects of the behind the scenes including set building, managing the stage, and assisting with costumes, hair and make-up. The production has been an exceptional group effort. 

Following the performances, one student commented: 

“What an awesome group we are, I will never forget what an awesome time we had these past 6 months!! Weekend rehearsals and staying till 9 were all worth it in the end.”  

Attendees had plenty of positive feedback, sending their congratulations to all the students and staff of whom made the production the outstanding success that it was, saying:  

“It was an amazing performance, everyone did so well and worked so hard.” 

 

“Amazing show… the band were superb as well as the actors - I know there were backstage crew too, everyone worked together so well. So proud of our children and pleased they have a bunch of dedicated teachers guiding them. Well done to all involved! Looking forward to the next one!” 

 

“Amazing performance and really enjoyable. A huge well done to all involved. Great work Thetford Academy staff and students.” 

 

“Outstanding performance! Thoroughly enjoyed watching on Tuesday night. Absolutely cannot wait for what's coming next!” 

 

“Amazing performance from all of the crew and backstage crew too. All of the hours you all put in really showed in what we all watched, the band was outstanding!! Look forward to the next show!” 

 

"It was wonderful - we thoroughly enjoyed last night's performance. Congratulations to all the students and to the teachers who organised it. They should all be very proud.” 

 

“Would just like to add my congratulations to the cast, crew, musicians and staff for an exceptional performance of the show that was put on Wednesday evening, as a footnote thanks for the extra space provided for the wheelchair much appreciated. Thankyou.”