Wallasey students perform two sold-out nights at Floral Pavilion

Students at St Mary’s Catholic College, Wallasey, recently held a performance of Shrek the Musical at the Floral Pavilion on two sold-out nights. 

Over 100 students ranging from Year 7 to Year 13 performed the comedic fairy tale about grumpy and lonesome ogre, Shrek, who embarks on a journey that sees him fall in love with Princess Fiona and ultimately changes his ways. 

The production was full of song and dance as performers put on an entertaining, professional, and unforgettable show for over 1,500 audience members. 

Title character, Shrek, was played by Matthew Butterworth and Fiona was portrayed by Keira Massey. Tom Jones took on the role of the infamous Lord Farquaad while Joseph Thurlow played the humorous Donkey. Pinocchio was portrayed by Nikolah Griffiths and the dragon by Rachel Blair. 

In addition to the St Mary’s Catholic College students taking part, the school also reached out to primary schools within its trust, Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, and other local primary schools to involve younger children in the play. 

Children from six different primary schools participated in workshops over a three week period which were hosted by Mrs Hickey who is head of dance at St Mary’s. The pupils learnt a choreographed piece and performed it on stage during the production. 

On the night, staff and other students played their own part and worked front of house, selling raffle tickets and programmes in support of the production.

Many seats in the sold-out theatre were occupied by current and past students, with previous cast members of last year’s performance, Legally Blonde, visiting from university to watch and assist backstage. 

Mr John McDonald, headteacher of St Alban’s Catholic Primary School, said: “From the start of rehearsals to the final show, the children of St Alban’s benefitted from the great experiences provided for them from St Mary’s, leading to one or two with sights fixed on the West End. The professionalism of the students and staff at St Mary’s and the joy on the night leaves such lasting and happy memories.”  

Miss Ally Keen, head of performing arts at the college, commented: “St Mary’s Catholic College has the highest ambition for all its students.

“Relationships are at the heart of everything at St Mary’s and this year really epitomised this with former students showing up to give support to their former schoolmates. It is wonderful to see our supportive and kind community continue to grow.” 

Headteacher of St Mary’s Catholic College, Mr Kevin Maddocks, added: “As one more in a long line of successful performances, I think it’s safe to say that the performing arts department and the wonderful students of St Mary’s Catholic College really do know how to put on a show!”