Clevedon School Musical Theatre Goes from Strength to Strength
By Education Correspondent
Clevedon School’s Musical Theatre department continues to thrive, securing five major wins at the David Beach Awards and two trophies at the County Drama Festival in March.
At the David Beach Awards on March 8th, the school’s production of Footloose received 11 nominations and won in five categories:
• Best Stage Management – Aaron Fillery
• Technical Excellence
• Best Supporting Female – Amy Reed and Clara Waller
• Moderator’s Award – for the student musicians in the band, marking the first time the school’s band has been entirely composed of students and staff
Just weeks later, on March 23rd, Clevedon Youth Theatre (CYT) returned to the County Drama Festival, performing the first act of Mark Wheeller’s revised musical One Evacuee.
The school is working closely with the world-renowned playwright to premiere this newly revised version at The Tobacco Factory on Wednesday, June 4th.
At the festival, CYT received five nominations and took home two prestigious awards:
• The Lydia Durston Trophy for Greatest Endeavor
• The Eyris Jones Memorial Trophy for Best Youth Production—the fourth consecutive year Clevedon School has won this award.
Festival adjudicator Bob Tomson praised the students, stating: “With an abundance of young actors like this, the future of theatre in the county is assured.”
Reflecting on this incredible success, Head of Performing Arts, Debbie Morgan, said: “We are so proud of our young people—their talent, passion, and commitment to the performing arts. Receiving this level of recognition is a fantastic honor.”
Clevedon School’s achievements follow the resounding success of its December musical production, Legally Blonde.
Featuring two incredible casts and a team of over 150 students, the show was a sell-out sensation, with tickets snapped up in just 16 minutes.
Audiences were wowed by the show’s infectious energy and uplifting message of self-love, respect, and community.
Adjudicator Cathie Warner, from the Somerset Fellowship of Drama’s David Beach Awards, praised the performance: “It may have been an ambitious choice with a record number of cast, crew, and band, but it was a delight to watch from beginning to end. It was a well-rehearsed, slick, and polished show with plenty of tears, laughter, and everything in between.
“Jim Smith and Debbie Morgan should rightly be very proud of what their school has produced.”
Student Xanthe Larner, who played Jean in One Evacuee, Brooke Windham in Legally Blonde, and Rusty in Footloose, shared her experience: “The performing arts community at Clevedon School has always been so welcoming.
“There are so many opportunities every year that anyone can get involved in, whether you’re in Year 7 or Year 13.”
And the journey isn’t over yet—Clevedon School will also perform One Evacuee at the Dig for Victory Festival on Friday, June 13th with a premier at the Tobacco Factory 4th June.
