This year Mougins British International School, a LAMDA certified centre, put on a production of We Will Rock You, a lighthearted, family friendly musical which its cast and crew have described as ‘lighthearted, interesting, fun and futuristic’. We Will Rock You is a jukebox musical based on Queen's greatest hits. It takes place in a time where Rock and Roll has disappeared and the characters go on an exciting journey to get it back.
 

This performance is particularly significant as it is a full student-led production. With the support of teachers and parents, students not only perform on stage but also manage the technical and backstage operations. Students take up all parts in the musical itself and perform alongside a band made up entirely of students. Additionally, students also manage their backstage operations. The dedicated involvement from all of our students truly displays the talent and brilliance of our school community. Through this production and other creative opportunities, Mougins School encourages students to find your path and follow your passion.

The cast, crew and our dedicated PTA have worked tirelessly alongside Mary Garvey, our Head of Music, and Hilary Lecoy, our Head of Drama, to bring our school a flawless production. Some of those involved shared their experiences working on this musical in order to allow us to appreciate their dedication and all they have contributed to our school through their talent and enthusiasm.

There have been challenges in working to put on such an amazing performance as Will, current sixth form student, and others have mentioned a particular trouble with the organisation of up to 25 people on stage at a time. If the sheer amount of people wasn’t challenging enough, having to balance the talent of each individual so that they all display their talents without creating overwhelm for the audience, is a credit to both the cast and directors. Other cast members have also mentioned the tenderness of learning the timing of quick changes, yet proved to be well worth it with the costumes only enhancing the eye-catching nature of this performance.

But, any issues would be forgotten when acknowledging the technical skills, organisation and sheer talent that went into this production. However what really matters is what those involved have found most gratifying.

Adwita (Year 8 student) shared that her favourite part of the preparations were “doing costume rehearsals, and having fun with my friends during rehearsals”. Amaia, her classmate, also shared that she found certain fulfilment in the smaller preparation aspects of rehearsals such as microphones, costumes and props as it gets her excited about each part of the production.

Not only have the preparations and performances come with fond memories and minor challenges, but We Will Rock You has given each of those involved new skills that they will be able to apply in other areas and on the stage. Both girls also commented on their improved communication skills on top of their progress in singing, dancing and acting.

Both Will and Louis shared that they gained and/or developed their social skills in order to be able to work with people of all different ages, backgrounds and skill sets in order to work towards a common goal.

Upon acknowledging the talents and passion of our students here at Mougins, a BTEC in Performing Arts has been introduced for year 12 and 13s in order for them to have the opportunity to take a more formal route to pursuing the performing arts professionally.

Mary Garvey, our head of music, has shared just how much pride the students have given her and are sure to give us all through their hard work and sheer talent.

In another interview Mary shared “The production is unique because of the incredible hard work of our chorus, especially the Year 7 students who are new to musicals. I am most proud of how they have mastered complex harmonies and choreography to truly carry the show. We are also utilizing our new theater’s state-of-the-art technology to match the "modern" feel of the show.”

The performances of We Will Rock You have taken place on the 11th, 12th and tonight the 13th of February. All we have heard so far is raving reviews and pride emitting from all of our Mougins community. This production has not only awarded those involved with developed skills and memorable experiences but has displayed to all those that had the pleasure of witnessing it, the talent of our student body as well as the beneficial foundation of Mougins British International School that encourages our students to learn and grow.

Gisele E.
Sixth Form Student