Opening night at Gateshead school’s production of Frozen is met with rapturous applause

Talented performing arts students at Heworth Grange School in Gateshead, part of Consilium Academies, took to the stage at the Phil Welch Theatre on Wednesday night for their first performance of Disney’s Frozen.

  

After hours of rehearsals, the cast impressed the audience with their singing, dancing and acting skills, as they told the story of Elsa and Anna in the kingdom of Arendelle. 

  

The set and costumes were of a professional standard and the audience was delighted with Heworth Grange School’s production, giving the youngsters thunderous applause and a standing ovation at the end of the show. 

  

The school was very proud to welcome back former Heworth Grange students for the production who, not only gave their time to support with set construction but are also the stage crew for each performance.

  

Wednesday’s show, which was an accessible performance, was the first of five productions, with further shows taking place on Thursday and Friday evenings and two on Saturday 28th June.

  

Last year, Heworth Grange was one of just 11 UK schools to win a competition to have the rights - for free - to perform Frozen. The Gateshead academy was the winner for the North East region. 

  

The school entered the competition in July 2024 with MTI (Musical Theatre International) to win the rights to be one of the first schools in Europe to perform the popular musical. 

  

The win was a dream come true for the local students, staff and community and especially pertinent with the Heworth Grange Youth Theatre's celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
 

Sarah Owens, Head of Expressive and Performing Arts at Heworth Grange School, said: “I was so proud of the students and the wonderful performance they put on for our opening night and look forward to the following four shows.

  

“We are also so pleased to have former students come and help us as we launch these five Frozen performances. We are very proud that we have so many former students who are happy to come back to help at our school, even though they are now at college and have jobs.”  

  

Erin Anderson, Associate Assistant Headteacher at Heworth Grange School, added:  “The atmosphere was buzzing at our opening show and has boosted the students' confidence for the rest of the productions.

  

“The evening highlighted how taking part in the performing arts in this way enriches the lives of our young people and is a fantastic opportunity for them to demonstrate their thespian flair and talent.”

  

Neil Rodgers, Headteacher at Heworth Grange School, said:  “The effort that everyone has put into this show has been phenomenal and our students’ performances promise to be a real treat for everyone who comes along over the next few days.

  

“I have got my tickets, and I very much hope that the whole community will come along and support our talented students.”