Year 5 & 6 Production ‘Finding Nemo’ goes swimmingly!

Our Prep School pupils delivered a fantastic performance of Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo JR. this week after months of rehearsals and hard work. Based on the popular 2003 film, the production starred Year 6 pupils, with Year 5 children providing chorus support. The show was directed by our Head of English, Mrs. Aldridge, and Head of Music, Mrs. Sapkota.

Diving into the Big Blue

Max A set the tone from the start with a wonderful performance as the anxious and over-protective clownfish, Marlin. He lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his child Nemo, played by Emily W, who longs to explore the world beyond her anemone home. When she is captured on her first day of ‘school’, Marlin embarks on an epic adventure filled with laid-back sea turtles, tormented sharks and a lovably forgetful Dory, played by Emma VP. Meanwhile, Nemo lands up in a fish tank where she makes friends with some real characters who are on a mission to get her back to the sea. Each one of the children embraced their roles with gusto and put heart and soul into their performances.

“It’s such a joy to work with such talented children.” said Mrs Aldridge. “They are so confident on the stage and in their own abilities, whether that’s acting or singing, and this comes from years of getting comfortable on the stage.” Musical theatre is incorporated into every year group at Tockington Manor School, right from Reception and through to Year 8. Even the Nursery puts on a performance at Christmas time!

All Hands on Deck

The performance couldn’t take place without the support of a willing crew and the assistance of parents and staff. Miss Green took charge of lighting and visual effects for the show and was ably assisted by a handful of Year 8 pupils who helped with all kinds of backstage jobs. From programming the lighting board to various pre-determined cues to making sure each scene was perfectly and appropriately lit Miss Green was very impressed with the pupils’ focus and professionalism. “It was wonderful to see their dedication to the show, even though it wasn’t their performance. I enjoy seeing the older children supporting the younger ones – it’s really indicative of our nurturing, community ethos at Tockington.”

Masterful Costumes

Nemo’s gang of characters in the tank were a colourful bunch, thanks also to inspired costumes and makeup from our Head of Art, Mrs Mockridge. In a particularly memorable scene where Dory finds herself in a sea full of jellyfish, the illusion of the sea creatures was masterfully created using see-through umbrellas decorated with lights and tinsel. Professor Ray, played by Bella H, also featured a magnificent iridescent cape, strung with lights to create the illusion of a beautiful stingray. “I love bringing a production to life with props and costumes.” Said Mrs Mockridge. “For Finding Nemo, the children helped with the beautiful backdrop and painted shells and corals to adorn the side panels. Hair and make up are the final embellishments which bring everything to life and make the children truly believe in their characters.”

Just Keep Singing…

While our Year 7 & 8 production every year is a dramatic play, the Year 5 & 6 performance incorporates singing. As in the last few years, Finding Nemo JR. was licensed to us by Music Theatre International (MTI), one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies. The 60-minute adaptation of the Pixar movie features new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, which our Head of Music, Mrs Sapkota couldn’t wait to get the pupils rehearsing. “We work a great deal on singing technique with the whole group in Music lessons. I teach them any choreography at the same time because then they can practice any associated movements correctly from the start.” Mrs Sapkota’s department includes a host of peripatetic teachers and children with solos spend dedicated one-to-one time with these highly qualified professionals, honing their singing. Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.

“The children were just brilliant,” said Mrs Sapkota. “The enthusiasm, excitement and confidence of the cast is truly infectious. I love to look back at their auditions in September and love to see how far they have all progressed.” It’s an attitude that the audience can feel. After watching the performance, Mrs. Abraham’s Reception class has been acting out the scenes and singing the songs in their class! They’ve even created a stage set and made their own costumes. “It’s wonderful to see how the older pupils have inspired the younger ones,” said Mrs. Mockridge.

Well done to all involved in this year’s production! To read more about Performing Arts at Tockington Manor School, click here.

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