The exciting and emotional production of the rock opera, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ truly showcased our pupils’ dramatic and musical talent, with over 60 pupils taking part.  

From the captivating portrayal of Jesus (Oli B) to the beautifully gentle interpretation of Mary Magdalene (Daisy C) and heart-wrenching perspective of Judas Iscariot (Emi S), the performance took us on a journey through the final days of Christ through Judas Iscariot's eyes, who fears Jesus' movement is becoming a dangerous cult.

Following the Last Supper, Judas brings soldiers to Gethsemane to arrest Jesus. Jesus, recognised by Pilate (sensitively played by Sean E) from a dream, faces trial but Pilate refuses to convict him. Sent to Herod (energetically portrayed by Ben G) and then back to Pilate, the crowd demands crucifixion. Despite both Herod's and Pilate's reluctance, Jesus is crucified, fulfilling the tragic destiny.  

The creative team turned the Assembly Hall into an amazing theatre space with a tiered stage and seating. The superstar band supported the cast wonderfully, as did the various ensembles who wore a variety of quite magnificent costumes, involving a considerable amount of sequins!   

 ‘Me and My Girl’ was a great showcase and celebration of the dramatic and musical talent at RHS.

Seamus M as cockney geezer Bill Snibson, who suddenly finds himself to be no less than the 14th Earl of Hareford!, held the audience in the palm of his hand as he entertained four full houses with his efforts to win his Lambeth sweetheart, Sally, winsomely played by Daisy C, without incurring the wrath of the Duchess, imperiously portrayed by Phoebe R or Sir John (Max A). Providing excellent comic relief were the scheming gold-digger Lady Jacquie and her bumbling but good-hearted beau, Gerald Bolingbroke, performed with relish by Daria C and Charles M-C.

The production team turned the Assembly Hall successfully into a ‘real’ theatre space, with curtains, tiered seating and a two level set which opened up to reveal various locations. The excellent band and a cast who sang their hearts out and never stopped smiling had the audience clapping along during the show.

'A Matter of Life and Death', was a vivid re-imagining of the classic British 1946 film starring David Niven as a pilot trapped in a burning plane, falling in love over the airwaves with his ground controller, June. Our production combined video imagery, ensemble acting and a dog to bring this story of love and the law in this world and the next to life on stage. A cast of 25 pupils played injured and deceased airmen, nurses, doctors, angelic beings and, of course, a dog.

A spectacular performance of a selection of Chaucer’s Classic Canterbury Tales, delivered by Year 7, 8 and 9 thespians. This light-hearted and humorous outdoor performance was hugely enjoyed by staff, pupils and parents on two consecutive and beautiful summer’s evenings. 

Pupils in Year 7 performed the Franklin’s Tale, enacting faithfulness and foolish promises, with rocks and a guru! Year 8 rendered performances of the Knight's Tale, complete with its very own carefully choreographed and very health-and-safety conscious fight scene; and the Nun's Priest's Tale, featuring love, nightmares, chickens and foxes, all introduced by a captivating line dance! And finally, Year 9 pupils performed the Merchant's Tale, with its dodgy goings-on in a pear tree, tastefully rendered for its audience, before concluding with the Wife of Bath's Tale, where what women truly want was revealed!   

The Great Gatsby was the first student led performance in some time. Pupils Jaz and Gen, decided to bring more drama to RHS and gather a group of other pupils to produce the show. The performances could not have gone any better and both nights sold out in under 48 hours. Special mention to Seamus who played Nick and debuted in this school production with an outstanding performance. We hope to see more student led performances. 

The most fabulous operatic performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ wowed its audience last weekend. 

This comic opera provided our top vocal talent at RHS to perform some key solo roles, with rousing choruses lustily sung by the combined choirs of the Holbrook Choral Society and the RHS Chapel and Chamber Choirs.