A Celebration of Friendship and Music in Senior School Production ‘The Band’

With just over a week to go, excitement is mounting ahead of the Senior School production of ‘The Band’. Running for five nights from 24–28 November in the Performing Arts Centre, the show promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience that places the talent of RGS students centre stage.

Inspired by the music of Take That, ‘The Band’ resonates in different ways with audiences and performers alike. For pupils, it is a chance to take on a bold, contemporary musical that blends acting, dance and pop music in a way that pushes creative boundaries. For many parents, staff and visitors, the show may carry echoes of the 1990s, when Take That’s chart-topping hits became the soundtrack to a generation. Although views may differ on whether they were indeed “the greatest boy-band of all time”, few can deny the impact of their songs, most of us can recall a moment spent singing along, whether we admit it or not. Once again, the choice of production reflects the Drama department’s commitment to ambitious, modern theatre that challenges and excites those involved.

Director of Drama, Mrs Jilly Witcomb, said: “It has been an absolute joy to bring ‘The Band’ to life with not just one, but two incredible casts. Working alongside such a talented and dedicated group of students and staff, both on stage and behind the scenes, has been inspiring from start to finish. Their energy, creativity, and commitment have made this production a truly special experience. On a personal note, this show has given me the chance to revisit my own university years, when music, friendships, and of course Take That, played such an important part in my life. To see those same themes of friendship and shared passion reflected by our students has been a privilege.”

Set to Take That’s greatest hits, ‘The Band’ follows five teenage girls in 1992 whose shared devotion to their favourite pop group brings them together. As adulthood leads them in different directions, their bond fades, until twenty-five years later the chance to see their idols perform reunites them. Their journey brings back memories, laughter and long-forgotten hopes. The result is a warm, funny and heartfelt story that explores how the music we grow up with becomes tied to friendships, identity and the moments that stay with us.

This year’s cast reflects a wide range of experience, enthusiasm and dedication. Alex Battle-Welch spoke about the joy of taking part once again: “Doing the senior musical is always the highlight of my year and I am so grateful to be cast in another one. I hope you enjoy this fantastic show!” For Upper Sixth student Kieran Lilley, it marks the end of a long and memorable journey in school theatre: “It feels surreal that this is my last school musical. After three musicals and so many other shows, they’ve been such a fundamental part of my life from Year Ten all the way through to Upper Sixth. Ending with ‘The Band’ makes it all the more special and I hope you’ll all be singing along. I assure you this will be a night to remember!”

Fellow cast member Arthur Hasling added: “This will be my fourth production at RGS and I was thrilled to be cast as one of ‘The Boys’. It’s incredibly exciting to take on such a lively role within this musical and I’m sure you’ll enjoy watching it just as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it.” For Callum Munday, who is performing in his first musical at RGS, the experience has been equally rewarding: “Coming from singing in my A Cappella group, the DMCs, I am very excited to be part of the band. I can’t wait to make this the best musical yet.” Year Eleven pupil James Keetley-Smith echoed this sentiment: “This is my first musical at RGS and I am really excited to be performing as a member of the band. I have loved rehearsals and hope that you enjoy the show.”

We would be delighted to welcome audiences to our Performing Arts Centre for what promises to be a vibrant, uplifting and highly entertaining production. Tickets are still available and can be purchased online here.