LeAf Studio production of Grease at the Layard Theatre.
Talented performance arts students gave audiences lots of summer loving with their lightning version of hit musical Grease.
Eighty students from Bournemouth’s LeAF Studio were involved in the show as performers, production team and stage crew.
They performed to absolutely devoted audiences who packed out The Layard Theatre in Canford Magna for the two-night performance.
And the powerful vocal and acting talent on show was truly electrifying.
LeAF Studio’s head of drama, Billie Aplin (who co-directed the show with LeAF Studio’s head of dance Geoff Lake), said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work on this production with such passionate and hardworking students.
“They have maturely balanced their rehearsals with academic school work, including sitting their GCSEs and A levels.
“LeAF Studio is rapidly becoming well-known for performing arts training whilst also providing a broad academic curriculum. We feel that Grease has been a delightful way to celebrate who we are and what we do.
“Our performers’ talent was shared with our audiences during the last week of the academic year and we are incredibly proud of every single student involved”
LeAf Studio production of Grease at the Layard Theatre.
This is LeAF Studio’s first full scale musical production and the students and staff worked for months to ensure it showcased the wealth of talent of its students.
There were two separate casts across the performances, with some students sharing leading roles.
The role of Danny – made famous by John Travolta in the film version – was taken on by Year 13’s Jack Ambrose.
Meanwhile, fitting into Olivia Newton John’s tight leather trousers, were Year 11’s Sophie Lee and Year 13’s Ellen Pankhurst, who shared the role of Sandy.
Other leading roles included Nathaniel Speight as Danny’s sidekick Kenickie and Isabelle Flutter as queen of the Pink Ladies, Rizzo.
Most of the Grease cast are remaining at LeAF Studio to complete their studies while the Year 13 performers make their way to prestigious performance arts colleges, including Laine Theatre Arts, Performers College and the University of Chichester.
LeAF Studio’s Principal, Nadine Lapskas, said: “This was a fantastic way to end our school year and it gave our talented students a real taste of what it is like to be in the professional arts.
“The actors and production team worked tirelessly to not only bring us such an outstanding show but to also complete their academic studies with aplomb.”
LeAf Studio production of Grease at the Layard Theatre.
LeAF’s production of Grease is now closed.
LeAF Studio is a state secondary school for 14 to 19 year-olds offering the national curriculum plus specialist coaching to performers and athletes.
Its next open evening is on Thursday 28 September between 6 and 8pm. For more details please visit www.leafstudio.co.uk
Note to editors: For more information please contact Rachel Read, account director at Deep South Media, on 01202 534487.
