Red Riding Hood visits the Senior School (Video)

cps 14 12 2011

‘If you go down to the Senior School today you better go in disguise’ because the Big Bad Wolf has taken over the Main Hall.

The Year 3 and 4 Christmas production this year was Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood from his Revolting Rhymes.

The dark and sinister opening began with a polished dance sequence by the Bunnies and the Bats to Bjork’s ‘It’s all so quiet’. Josh from Year 3 said “It was a special Bunny dance which involved some hopping. I like being in this because it makes me feel really happy”

Sarah, Year 3, playing one of the bats, agreed “It’s been really fun and it’s gone really well”

This was a mainly song and dance based production which had a real Sondheim feel to it. The cast included bunnies, bats dogs and pigs, each with their own song and dance routine. Music teacher, Mrs Watts, said “The children have tried really hard with some difficult music. They’ve tackled two-part songs very melodically and with a lovely tone”

The Funky friends of Little Red Riding Hood danced to “Crazy Right Now” by Beyonce. Year 4 Evie said “I have loved watching this and being part of it. It’s been really fun and so complicated. But really really the best.”

The children obviously enjoyed this energetic production, especially a very funny and slightly chaotic dogs’ dance to “Who let the dogs out?”. Year 4s Michael said “I have loved being a dog because I have got to do a lot of ‘woofing’. At home I’ve put in lots of practice, and have been barking a lot.”

Another humorous performance came from The Pig Patrol (who were the police officers of the woods) They took it very seriously when they sang about ‘The Secret League of Pigs’ (SLOP).

Red Riding Hood gave a confident and charming performance. Gemma (Year 4) loved being the young girl lead “I have loved the atmosphere and even though I’m on stage most of the time, I particularly liked the beginning dance with the funky girls. It’s all been fantastic”

And of course the Big Bad Wolf, put in a slick and scary performance.

Ryan, Year 4, said “It felt really good to be given this part and at first I couldn’t believe it. But I found it really delightful. I think the best bit was me dying and Gemma and Hafsa dragging me off stage.”

Hafsa played Grandma “It’s been weird playing an old person but the wig and the walking stick helped”

One of the highlights of the night was the Grannies’ dance to “ I like to Move it” by Will. I. Am. The ‘Grannies’ managed a complicated dance while remaining in character.

Directing the production Mrs Higgs said “I’m really delighted with the children’s performance. Everyone has worked really hard and we’ve really enjoyed doing it.

“I just want to say thank you to all the Year 3 and 4 staff who have put in endless hours to make this production so successful. Thank you to Mrs Osler for all her help and to Miss Kerstein from the Senior School Drama Department who provided suitable atmospheric lighting. Mr Renfrew and the catering team who provided the festive refreshments and finally the school keeper and his team for, as always, fetching, carrying and clearing.Thank you to everyone for making this such a fun night.”