Ratton School's "Addams Family"-and why you should go see it!
This article was written by one of our Young Reporters, a scheme that gives 14 to 18-year-old school students a chance to write for a real newspaper. Find out more at the Young Reporter website.
Schools can struggle having a show; let alone a musical with enough talent to make an enjoyable production yearly.
Ratton is not one such school.
Eastbourne’s Ratton School is renowned for its Performing Art’s, gaining outstanding GCSE results in Music, Dance, and Drama.
But most join for the annual musical performed at the Hippodrome, this year being the Addams Family, following their amusing arcs and hilarious hijinks that ensue.
“We have a longstanding 7-year reputation of great shows.” Vikki Potten, head of curriculum for Drama stated. “Probably being the best in the town- if not the county.”
When asked about the time put into the production, she claimed each production costs staff involved 100 unpaid hours.
She listed the myriad she undertakes. “Hiring the costumes (…), hiring set pieces, hiring projections (…) organising the programme, organising videos and photographs and things.”
Students are not exempt from this, rehearsing one Sunday a month, along with two-hour rehearsals bi-weekly.
When asked why students did it, they gave bright-eyed, grinning responses.
“I’d like to do this later on in life-and it brings me lots of joy to be doing a show with all of my friends.” Oliver Daly, (playing Fester) said how the production helped him get into BN1, a performing arts specialised college.
“I do it because I love the sense of community it gives us, I think all the teachers do a brilliant job every single year making the production special.” Eleanor Ramsden (playing Alice) added, a ‘triple threat’ always in multiple local productions. “It’s really nice to give every single child who wants to the opportunity to have an experience on a professional stage.”
Vikki Potten agreed with students. “I get to work with my besties-what more could I ask for? Maybe some time with my family.”
However, the show has had a tumultuous journey.
“Results of those people that are in shows regularly are better than those that are not.” Potten reported.
A best-selling show was threatened to be removed, being seen as not selling well and disrupting learning-though there was little evidence to both claims.
Thankfully, the ever-industrious performing arts staff managed to keep it, much to the gratitude of the stupendous cast.
“It’s really nice to come into school and be doing something (…) not related to GCSE’s.” Poppy Mckie (playing an Ancestor) expressed, being in numerous clubs of the school. “It’s nice to meet new people, most of my friends are from the show.”
“Everyone in the cast is super dedicated- (…) there’s a lot of talent.” Oliver Daly replied. “It’s a fantastic funny show with great songs and some great lines.”
“It just teaches you how to build confidence and it helps you put yourself out there.” Remarked Austin Rogers, (playing Gomez) whom got into Eastbourne College on a Drama and Academic Scholarship. “It’s also got a great sense of humour. (…) A lot of work and effort has gone into it. So-why not (go)?”
