These are turbulent times: a leader’s dominance is waning; there’s rebellion in the ranks; at least one person is “all washed up… finished”. Rule-breakers have been found indulging in illicit drinking, socialising and partying…
I’m referring of course to last week’s production of ‘Bugsy Malone’. As I said in my closing remarks on Friday, this show told you everything you need to know about Brighton Girls. It was full of the school’s characteristic hutzpah – a cast comprising students from Year 7 to Year 13 revelled in their topsy-turvy world, as we witnessed diminutive Year 7s barking orders at actors twice their size and the director, Mr Russell, being showered with praise and splurge in equal measure at the end. It was a genuine cross-school collaboration, as inclusive as they come, and the support both from the actors on stage and from the audience (who did a great job of willing on those responsible for dragging bodies into the wings) was a joy to behold.
There was something special about this week’s Carol Service too: in addition to the familiar carols and readings, we were treated to a performance from a combined student, staff and parent choir. Thank you to those parents and teachers who took time out of their busy schedules to take part, and huge thanks to Mr Walton and Mrs Roberts for making this unique collaboration possible – it is a powerful thing.
As the freshly-splurged cast of ‘Bugsy Malone’ sang in the closing number, ‘Give a Little Love’,
“It’s been decided
We’re weaker divided
Let friendship double up our powers.”