The Primary 7 Pupils of St. Comgall’s Primary School Antrim presented their version of the musical Willy Wonka jr. The pupils performed two evening shows on Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th of June. Lorcan Rooney played the title character Willy Wonka. Before the shows he commented for the school souvenir programme (which the pupils created themselves) that, “I am nervous about the high notes in the songs and forgetting my lines and of course I get on with the co-stars and we are all working really hard.” Lorcan need not have been concerned. All the hard work and practice paid off as all the cast performed with aplomb.
Charlie Bucket Played by Sophie Shields summed up the feelings of the cast as excited, confident and proud. The show included all the classic characters including Charlie’s family and friends, the Oompa Loompas, squirrels and the lucky golden ticket winners and their parents, who amazed everyone with their mature portrayal of their roles (Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregard and Mike Teavee). To bring Wonka mania closer to Antrim the reporters from the cast filmed themselves (using school I-pads) and created a ‘visual media’ touch to the performance.
The production was a huge success thanks to the children who performed and all the school staff who prepared costumes, painted faces, designed a magnificent backdrop and fascinating props. Sound and lighting added to the children’s memorable experience. On the night Oompa Loompas from the show sold programmes and popcorn to add to the atmosphere.
The show had their own production team made up of children who were in charge of Marketing, Finance, Sales, Promotions and the overall event. This was supported by the Enkalon Foundation and Young Enterprise Business Beginnings programme.
The show was a huge hit and feedback from parents, friends, family, and staff was highly positive and full of praise and pride of their children! A truly memorable experience for the children and a perfect way to end their primary school years!
