Hundreds tuned in to watch talented performers take to the stage in Highfields’ live-streamed musical production of Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
The cast was delighted to showcase their talents to audiences at home - including Beverley Knight - with their version of the much-loved production, despite the coronavirus pandemic putting a stop to crowds in the school’s Lyceum theatre.
The Performance department was able to secure an extra special prop for the showcase on December 5 - the dreamcoat worn by Joe Sugg when he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018. And they were equally delighted to have received a £4,751 grant from the Co-op Community Fund to pay for brand new mics for the cast. The mics will now be used for all upcoming performances at the school.
Performers gave up two weeks of their summer holidays back in August to start rehearsing for production, but the packed rehearsal schedule had to be ripped up due to strict Covid-19 measures.
Ms S Bishop, Highfields’ Director of Performance, said staging the show despite the hurdles the team had to overcome, was one of the proudest moments of her career.
She added: “Thank you to everyone who watched the show and for all of the warm messages of support.
“We are so proud of the cast, some of whom had only five days of rehearsal.
“It has been really challenging at times, but last night was one of my proudest moments in 25 years teaching without a doubt!”
Among those watching the performance was soul superstar Beverley Knight, who played the role of Narrator in a production of Joseph when she was a student at the school.
She sent the cast her congratulations via video message. In it, she said: “Yes, Highfields! Job well done! I watched it, I sang along. I thought you were all marvellous.”
If you missed the live show tickets are now available to purchase to watch the recording. Click here for more information.
