Pupils Enjoy Unforgettable Workshop with West End Professionals
On Monday, the cast of this year’s RGS musical, ‘Miss Saigon’ were given the incredible experience of working with Jonny Barr (West End professional, singer and film star) and Claire Moore (West End professional, singer and original star from the 1989 London production of ‘Miss Saigon’) for a full day workshop rehearsal.
Jonny and Claire took our talented performers through the big ensemble numbers, talking to them about the importance of having a backstory to their characters and having the confidence to “just go for it”. As the ensemble then went to develop their backstories, the leads impressed with their vocal solos and duets.
School Captain and star of previous RGS musicals, Catherine Broadbent, who is playing the role of ‘Kim’ said “I really enjoyed working with such incredible professionals. I loved exploring the emotional depth of my character and feel a greater sense of support and community within the cast.” Charlie Raven who plays opposite ‘Kim’ as ‘Marine Chris’ stated, “Working with both professionals was such a fantastic experience and listening to them, gaining from their expertise has already helped me to develop my role as Chris.”
School Captain Callum Lockett is returning to the Performing Arts stage for the final time and taking on his most challenging role yet as ‘The Engineer’. He said, “The opportunity was a fantastic experience and I thoroughly enjoyed the support in order to develop the flamboyant nature of my character”. Anna Jobes and Charlie Lord are hardworking multi role members of our fantastic ‘ensemble’ and they said they “loved how special the professionals made us feel as they emphasised the massive importance of the ensemble in every production.”
Jonny and Claire reported that they were blown away by the way the cast worked with them and ended the day praising our pupils for their commitment and support for one other.
‘Miss Saigon: School Edition’ is being performed in the RGS Worcester Performing Arts Centre for five nights from 27 November – 1 December. Tickets will go on sale from Monday 16 October.
Mrs Jilly Witcomb, Director of Drama