Last week saw the culmination of several months of hard work as over 70 students either took to the stage or worked behind the scenes in the academy production, The Addams Family young@part.

Students started the week with a dress rehearsal and then a successful performance for Year 4, 5 and 6 students from Archibald Primary. This was followed by the performances to family, friends and staff across three evenings. With students involved from Year 7 through to Year 13, the audience were treated to a visual spectacle, with iconic costumes, gothic props and pyrotechnics. The students brought to life this musical based on the eccentric TV family through their acting, singing and dancing, which had the audience clapping and clicking along. As well as those on stage, each production was supported by students backstage, on follow-spot, sound and front of house and for the third year, we also had our Tuesday evening performance signed by a Year 9 student using British Sign Language.

Highlights from the production include the very spooky ‘When You’re an Addams’ and the full cast song ‘Full Disclosure’ that most cast and crew members could not get out of their heads. A personal favourite was ‘The Moon and Me’ which saw Fester fall in love with the moon and ‘Pulled’ where Wednesday contemplated her relationship with Lucas. With such fantastic songs, everyone was put through their paces as they joined the talented dancers to create spectacular routines. As always, the final night saw the cast and crew say their goodbyes to three Year 13 students and two members of staff who have become such an important part of the productions over the years, presenting them with framed posters of their achievements. This is always a special moment, with a few tears shed as they said their goodbyes. Along with the students, a wonderful team of staff from across the academy came together to make this happen. The back of the programme highlights just how many people were involved to ensure this was a production to remember. The big question now is… What will be next year’s production?