What a brilliant evening full of music, fast paced dance numbers and beautiful singing all sprinkled with glittering stardust! The evening, a fundraising evening in aid of improving conditions at Ryde School’s Ghanaian link school Nako, promised a number of well-known and much-loved musical numbers.

As a pupil-led fundraising event to raise much needed funds for the link partner school in Ghana, spirits were high and the audience in a charitable mood. Little generosity was needed however following each of the musical numbers, which were performed with such zeal and punch, that they brought forth rapturous applause and at times a tear to the eye.

With songs from such well-known stage productions as Hamilton, Les Miserables, The Sound of Music, Wicked and Phantom of the Opera, everyone in attendance was able to enjoy a range of showstopping favourites. The show was an entertaining mix of solo numbers, such as ‘Cabaret’, ‘Beautiful Little Fool’, and ‘Mr Cellophane’, duets, group arrangements- ‘Hot Honey Rag’, ‘Secrets’ and ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ and the whole company renditions of ‘Give a Little Love’ to open and ‘When I Grow Up’ as the stirring finale.

The programme provided excellent details of the amazing efforts of the students including special mentions for two particular students that were the driving force behind the event, Jemima Rees and Rafferty Moore. These two students worked tirelessly to bring this record-breaking fundraising event to life. Raising in excess of £1600, It was commented on the night that never before in the school had there been a fundraising effort for Nako that had raised as much money and been such a success! This was attributed to the wholehearted ‘team’ effort from every child on the stage deserving plaudits for their performance and passion to make a positive difference to others lives. This said, without the skill and determination of Jemima as director/producer/choreographer and the hours of hard work and dedication Rafferty poured into his role as Musical Director, this event would not have been possible. Special mention must also go to Jessica Stevens who choreographed the ‘Secrets’ number. Team ‘Songs On The Stage’ should be very, very proud of what they have achieved!

All of the Walker-Green clan had a fantastic evening enjoying brilliant vocals, slick dance moves and captivating music. A wonderful evening of fundraising for a good cause whilst being treated to some of the stage’s best songs from the stage. All that’s left to ask now is when we will be treated to ‘Songs On The Stage Part 2’?

If you wish to support the school’s valuable fundraising efforts in Ghana please call the school directly on 01983 562229 and they will be happy to receive any pennies you wish to donate!