Last night, I had the absolute honour of attending
Varjak Paw: The Musical, staged by the amazing Year 6 at
New North Academy, and directed by the brilliant Fiona Gunn-Stokes!
I visited New North Academy earlier this year;
here's the blog I wrote about it at the time. You can see from all the comments just what a fantastic group of readers and writers they are. So when they told me they were going to do a musical production of
Varjak Paw as their end of year show, I couldn't wait!
It was absolutely brilliant. They did both Varjak Paw and The Outlaw Varjak Paw in one great big epic story; and they did musical numbers including
Everybody Wants To Be A Cat,
Love Cats, and
Stray Cat Strut!
There were fantastic costumes, make-up and sets; brilliant acting, singing and dancing; terrific use of video for the dream sequences... it had everything you would want from a stage show! But for an author to see his characters brought to life like that – it was an incredible experience. I have to admit, I got quite emotional watching it... though I was definitely not the only one!
So I would like to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone involved – and good luck with everything you go on to do in your lives. I think you are absolute superstars. Keep the Way alive!
Well done to North Academy and for the support you have given them. Very proud of Fiona Gunn-Stokes and the enthusiasm and comittment she teaches the children with.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I totally agree: she's clearly a fantastic teacher! It's been inspiring for me to see the enthusiasm, dedication and sheer brilliance of Year 6 – both at the musical, and when I visited earlier in the year. So big congratulations and thanks again to all at New North Academy!
DeleteThis show was an absolute pleasure to be part of due to the wonderful and enthusiastic Y6 children who were involved in it. However, it would not have been possible without the expertise of a variety of teachers: Alex Hall, for his amazing sets and props and the sheer brilliance of the videoed dream sequences;Yvonne Watts for her hours of free time given to the children in helping them design and make their own costumes and the awesome cat make up; Amy Kane for her enthusiasm in helping the children to work out dance moves and sequences and Troy Ellison for his technical support and videoing of the show for us to enjoy all over again. A show of this magnitude is only achieved by a team of great people and we at New North are so lucky to have such a team!
ReplyDeleteFiona Gunn- Stokes
Thank you so much, Fiona – and huge thanks to Alex, Yvonne, Amy, Troy, and everyone at New North who helped to make it such a brilliant show!
DeleteDear mr sf said thank you for visiting our school play
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure – thank YOU for making such a great play from my books!
DeleteHello. My name is Sonya and I was part of this musical. I am now in year 7 and I always watch the musical and am grateful that you had time to come. I know that Varjak Paw will always be my favourite book (Phoenix is not far behind). I'm looking forward to reading Tyger. It was an amazing opportunity to talk to you after the show even though I was teary after my speech so once again thank you.
ReplyDeleteDear Sonya,
DeleteThank you so much for this amazing comment – it really means a lot to hear things like that about my books! And it was an absolute pleasure and an honour to see the musical; thank you for all the brilliant work you put into it. Good luck in Year 7 and beyond – and keep the Way alive!
With best wishes,
SF