CABARET
Cabaret this year stepped up to the mark with even higher performance standards, a greater variety of ensembles and of course, the fantastic opening plot twist.
As the audience settled into their seats, Mark and Anna Mortimer shifted uncomfortably, whilst frantically racking their brains as to where Caroline Robinson, Director of Music had run off to right before the lights were to be dimmed and Cabaret was to begin.
Little did they realise that the Music Department had planned for Head Boy, Xander Veitch, who was reminiscent of Jack Whitehall, presenting the Brits in his 'Big Shaq Coat', alongside Ben Stone to “sabotage” Cabaret by kidnapping Mrs Robinson and taking over the whole event. The boys, desperate to host Cabaret in their last year at Warminster, took matters into their own hands. They even held poor Lola (Mrs Robinson’s dog) hostage! Luckily Superman (aka Mr Page) was there to save the day, when he discovered a super hero costume (saved for school emergencies) in the Headmaster's office. With his outstanding strength he prised open the door to un-tie Mrs Robinson and raced her over to the TA Hall to stop the 'rap-crazy' boys from ruining the event any further.
Almost twenty departmental and pupil-led ensembles showcased their performances across both nights. From Disney to Rock, Pop and Jazz, Cabaret presented it all. It was especially lovely to see pupils from the lower and upper school, in a number of groups, coming together to collaborate their musical talents. It is always fantastic to see the pupils taking on their own initiative and having the opportunity to develop both their leadership and teamwork skills.
A number of the staff from both the Prep and Senior Schools also joined in with Concert Orchestra and Warminster Singers. Even our own Headmaster showed off his Ukulele skills and made his debut singing backing vocals with the Ukulele group, 'Why not Uke'.
Amongst highlights of the evening were the fabulous Junior Singers, who performed both Man in the Mirror and Thriller, which was excellently choreographed by Mrs Harris and Miss Hunter. The Warminster Singers sang The Lion Sleeps Tonight with great conviction and captivated the audience with the beautiful River Song. Jazz Band got everyone swaying in their seats to the smooth Latin influences of Song for San Miguel and the Mancini Suite. Mr Page’s Soul Band played with great confidence and all the pupils, plus Mr Page himself, looked especially cool wearing their sunglasses, whilst getting their groove on performing Play that Funky Music White Boy. The Senior Strings rocked the audience with a superb version of Uptown Funk and Ben Stone had clearly worked hard with The Crescendudes, mastering the tricky acapella version of Just the Way you Are. The audience particularly enjoyed Ben Drummond and Robbie Maclean’s rendition of Perfect: Mrs Robinson pointed out that the ensemble seemed to be the perfect pairing! Finally, many of the performers joined together on stage for Concert Orchestra to play a medley of pieces from Beauty & the Beast and Pirates of the Caribbean to round off both nights on a high note.
All in all, Cabaret was a huge success and it truly displayed the importance of music being at the heart of our community here at Warminster School. We are looking forward to what the Music Department will produce next year.
Thank you to David Wiltshire Photography and Yellow Balloon Films for catching our best side!