Wirral students shine with hit show that wows local theatregoers
Pupils from a north west college are celebrating their success after putting on a hit show at their local theatre.
Students from St John Plessington Catholic College, Bebington, Wirral recently took to the stage at the Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, to perform the contemporary hit musical, Our House.
The coming-of-age tale, set to the music of iconic British pop band Madness, follows London lad Joe Casey as he makes a life-changing decision that determines his future.
The unique story was brought to life by a talented cast and team of 77 students, including actors, dancers, musicians, and backstage crew.
Students from all year groups performed on the professional stage at the Gladstone Theatre, delivering a show that left the audience wanting more.
Stepping into the lead role of Joe Casey was Year 12 student Jack Lally, a seasoned performer in the school’s productions, having starred in several shows since joining St John Plessington.
Starring alongside Jack as love interest Sarah was Year 9 student Freya Foy, who shone in her first leading role at the school.
A packed audience of St John Plessington students, staff members, and the wider community attended the two-night production, with a total of 230 attendees each night.
The production also featured pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, St John’s Catholic Junior School, and Church Drive Primary School, who performed with exceptional energy and enthusiasm while singing and dancing to the hit songs ‘Our House’ and ‘Wings of a Dove’ with the St John Plessington cast.
Collaborations with feeder primary schools help the college foster friendships and strengthen community connections beyond St John Plessington.
Throughout the production, students worked alongside staff from various departments, gaining hands-on experience in choreography, stage management, and other essential aspects of theatre. This opportunity provided valuable insight into the world of performing arts while helping students develop transferable skills.
The technical team at the Gladstone Theatre played a vital role in supporting staff and students, offering their expertise and working tirelessly to enhance the production. Their contributions were greatly appreciated by the entire St John Plessington community.
When selecting Our House, the school considered more than just the humour, catchy songs, and upbeat dance numbers.
Mr Payne, head of performing arts at St John Plessington, said: “We’ve been asked multiple times why we chose this show for our students. While the obvious answer would be the humour, catchy songs, and high-energy dance numbers, our decision was based on the deep-rooted messages woven into the storyline.
“Joe’s story highlights the impact of making the ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ choices and how actions have consequences. Despite an error in judgement in his youth, Joe’s journey shows that there is always room for redemption, a message we wanted our students to take away.”
Mrs Ousey, head of drama at St John Plessington, also praised the incredible support provided by staff volunteers and the senior leadership team: “The show wouldn’t have been possible without the fantastic support of staff volunteers and the senior leadership team. This includes Mr Crone and Miss Smith for their roles in the band, as well as a special thank you to Miss Gibbons, Ms Patino, and Miss Wellman.”
Reflecting on the experience, Freya Foy said: “The teamwork and dedication from the entire cast made it even more rewarding than just the performance itself.”
Jacob Clyne, who played Emmo, added: “Interacting with the set and props made it feel really professional and more than just a school musical.”
Headteacher, Mr Peadar McLoughlin, commended the hard work and dedication of everyone involved: “On behalf of everyone at St John Plessington, we would like to congratulate the cast, crew, and staff for producing such an incredible show.
“Our school’s mission is to empower an inclusive community founded on Gospel values. It has been fantastic to witness the collaboration between our students, the wider school community, the Gladstone Theatre, and our primary feeder schools to create something truly special.
“It is important that our students have access to experiences beyond the school walls – opportunities that help them develop new skills, grow in confidence, build connections, and broaden their horizons.”
https://www.stjohnplessington.com/