Barry Comprehensive School

Barry Comprehensive schools Performing Arts and Music department have recently returned from another successful trip to London’s west end (their third trip this year!). This time, pupils and staff were treated to two contrasting performances; “Les Miserables” and the European and British premiere preview performance of “The Lord of the Rings”.

The first of the performances- Les Miserables, (celebrating its 21 st year in the West End) engrossed the audience with its use of powerful storytelling and the incredible singing and acting from the cast.

The Lord of the Rings (costing a staggering 25 million pounds!) was an awesome experience! We were extremely lucky and privileged to be the first audience to see the new musical playing at Drury Lane Theatre. The special effects were state of the art and out of this world. With characters literally disappearing in front of our eyes, the giant dragon blasting us with what seemed like a force ten gale and the stage morphing into hundreds of different positions, we were treated to a magical and unforgettable night.

The actors, technicians, backstage staff and all involved in this production managed to transport us all into Middle Earth.

We laughed (Hobbits dancing) we cheered (every special effect) and some of us even screamed in terror at the sight of the giant spiders and the rampaging Orcs. From start to finish (3 hours 10 minutes) this production inspired us all with its use of costume, set, song, dance and every single special effect. This is definitely an experience that none of us will ever forget. Our review gives Lord of the Rings 10 out of 10!

Years 7-10 will have another chance to catch Lord of the Rings when the school returns to London in July. Details about this trip will be released shortly.

Photo by Stephen Pitcock: Some of the group taking a break at Trafalgar Square