Richard Huish College ended January with a bang with their spectacular adaptation of the Tony-nominated musical, Bonnie & Clyde.
Following previous sell-out productions of Chicago (High School Edition), Made in Dagenham and Our House, Huish extended their show week to include a fourth night in 2024.
Bonnie & Clyde follows the story of two small-town nobodies who became America’s most renowned folk heroes during the Great Depression.
When Bonnie and Clyde meet, their mutual cravings for excitement and fame set them on a mission to chase their dreams. Their bold and reckless behaviour turns the young lovers’ thrilling adventure into a downward spiral. Forced to stay on the run, they resort to robbery and murder to survive. As the infamous duo’s fame grows bigger, their inevitable end draws nearer.
Casting for the production began in October, with Mac Lee landing the role of Clyde Barrow and Erin Oliver the role of Bonnie Parker. Mac was previously named as one of Taunton Youth Culture and Arts’ (TYCA’s) 2023 Commissioned Artists.
Auditions were open to students from all courses as part of the College’s Performing Arts EnRICH programme. In addition to the cast, ensemble and live band, students performed all roles found within a theatre company including costume and set design, stage management, and lighting and sound production.
Four pupils from Culmstock Primary School, Huish Episcopi Primary School, Kingsmead School and The Castle School also joined the cast this year to play the roles of Young Bonnie & Clyde.
The performances took place in the Huish Theatre which was renovated in 2020 to provide students with a professional venue for both performances and rehearsals.
The following reviews were provided by the audiences:
- “The band is amazing and the acting is top notch, we loved the gospel song.”
- “Wow, what a great night out, so glad we came! Amazing talent, fabulous production, not only the wonderful singing but full marks to the tech boys and girls.”
- “Wow! Outstanding performances from everyone! Such good energy. Huge well done to actors and crew!”
- “Incredible singing from everyone, a joy to watch from start to end.”
- “Great show, I would watch it again!”
- “A very enjoyable evening, with some brilliantly delivered humour. Fantastic music and outstanding vocals. My son loved being a part of it”.
- “I think it’s ‘proper job!’ I was expecting a high school musical but no, very impressed”.
