Pupils at Newminster and Chantry put on a production of Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda the Musical Junior’ this Summer term on Tuesday 27th, Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th June 2023. There were over 200 pupils in the show from both schools and past pupils from Newminster and Chantry came to support the pupils with tech, backstage along with Ava Da Costa playing Miss Honey and Thomas Davidson playing Miss Trunchbull. Performances on each night were a sell out. Huge thanks to Kelly Coccalis for choreographing the show.
Here are some audience quotes –
Wow! What can I say other than I was absolutely blown away by how amazing and talented all your students are. It was an absolute privilege to be able to see everyone perform today.
I just wanted to say what an absolutely delightful treat it was to come and see Matilda today! The standard of the production was so high it is hard to believe that middle school children have performed it! I know how much time, hard work and effort must have gone into it from staff and students and it was absolutely spell-binding. Not to mention the children’s talent! Amazing!
Wow, what an absolute triumph!
You have achieved something special with the production of Matilda, it really was wonderful. To have so many children involved, from both schools, and so clearly having the time of their lives. The strength of acting, singing and dancing was fantastic and the audience were clearly having a great time.
Fantastic news funding is continuing to be brought into Newbiggin through the ‘Get Onside’ programme, allowing us to develop a brand new and FREE to attend Futsal session for males ages 16+ in partnership with AFC Newbiggin!
For more info on Futsal and what it is all about, see the video by FIFA here – https://youtu.be/py_
An exciting event took place on the grounds of Newminster Middle School on Monday 15th May 2023 that brought together many Morpeth schools to showcase and enjoy their musical talents.
The event (Morpeth’s One Big Performance), supported by Music Partnership North, involved twelve schools from the Morpeth Partnership (Firsts, Middles and High School) and over 400 children. Morpeth’s One Big Performance event was held in a large marquee on the Newminster Middle School field on Monday 15th May 2023.
The objective of the day was to inspire young musicians by enabling them to see the journey of a musician from beginning to play an instrument to demonstrating what they can achieve with practice!
Each school performed to each other, and there were joint activities throughout the day that involved all children in a massed ceilidh and choir, body percussion fun and a quiz.
Morpeth’s One Big Performance provided a wonderful partnership experience for all involved through the opportunity to make music as a community.
Quotes from children who attend Morpeth’s One Big Performance –
Year 3 pupils –
I loved singing and watching everyone else to see what they were learning in school – Oscar
I loved seeing how talented everyone was and learning facts from the quiz – Theia
I loved dancing with everyone at the Ceilidh – Leila
I liked being together with lots of different schools – Oliver
Year 4 pupils –
“It was fun to watch other schools perform and it was a chance in a lifetime to perform to all the other schools” – Oscar
“I enjoyed every part of it. It was fun and exciting! At first I felt nervous about performing but then I felt great!” – Harry
” It was great to meet other schools and I enjoyed watching their show!” – Anais
“I enjoyed listening to everyone’s music and meeting new friends!” – Esme
” It was a fantastic opportunity to share with other schools what we could do and what we have all learnt in music this year with our specialist teachers “ – Sophia
Charlotte Jones, Curriculum Leader of the Creative Arts at Newminster Middle School, who was one of the organisers of the event said –
“It was a very special day which combined a love of music with our community. The pupils who performed were a credit to their schools and the talent on show was incredible! I loved seeing all of the smiling faces at the event! We are already thinking about the next one!”
Richard Johnstone, Deputy Lead Officer for Music Partnership North, who was another one of the organisers of the event said –
“The event itself was a wonderful example of the Music Hub and schools working together in partnership to produce this event. The impact on the students and the talent shown in the performances was very special and it touched me by how committed the students were and the sheer enjoyment on their faces of performing! We are already thinking about next year.”
Schools involved in Morpeth’s One Big Performance –
Cambo First First School
Collingwood School
Abbeyfields First School
Stobhillgate First School
St Roberts First School
Tritlington First School
Morpeth First School
Stannington First School
All Saints First School
Chantry Middle School
Newminster Middle School
King Edward VI
Netball Youth Camp, Bede Academy, Wednesday 5th April 2023
Matilda the Musical Junior – Tickets, Chantry Hall, 6.30pm
Tuesday 27th June 2023
Wednesday 28th June 2023
Thursday 29th June 2023
Pupils at Newminster and Chantry will be putting on a production of Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda the Musical Junior’ this Summer.
Tickets will be available for ‘Matilda the Musical’ performances at the school offices from Tuesday 2nd May 2023 (strictly morning break times only). The tickets are priced at £7.00 adult and £5.00 child.
An exciting event in May 2023 will bring together many Morpeth to showcase and enjoy their musical talents.
The event (Morpeth’s One Big Performance), supported by Music Partnership North, will involve fourteen schools from the Morpeth Partnership (Firsts, Middles and High School) and over 400 children. Morpeth’s One Big Performance event will be held in a large marquee on the Newminster Middle School field on Monday 15th May 2023.
The objective of the day is to inspire young musicians by enabling them to see the journey of a musician from beginning to play an instrument to demonstrating what they can achieve with practice!
Each school will perform to each other, and joint activities throughout the day will involve all children in a massed ceilidh and choir, body percussion fun and a quiz.
Morpeth’s One Big Performance hopes to provide a wonderful experience for all involved through the opportunity to make music as a community.
Pupils from Newminster, Chantry and Dr Thomlinson Middle Schools joined the King Edward VI Ceilidh Band to play for an event on Saturday 18th March 2023 at KEVI. The Cheviot Ceilidh was well attended by the local community who danced to music played by the band with Elaine Carter calling the dances.
Prior to the event, the pupils in the joint ceilidh band enjoyed a workshop with local folk musician, Alistair Anderson, on Tuesday 7th March.
“It was lovely to see the Morpeth community come together to enjoy a night of folk music and dancing. Young and old were on the dance floor with smiling faces!”
The Mid Northumberland Chorus are putting on a fantastic concert at St James Church, Morpeth on Sunday 26 March 2023, starting at 7.30pm which has a wonderful mix of mainly Italian and Norwegian music! Please come along, it will be a great night!
The programme includes the hugely varied and dramatic Vivaldi’s Dixit Dominus RV595 accompanied by a professional string orchestra and featuring two fabulous soloists: Jane Burnell (Soprano) and Sophie Clarke (Mezzo-Soprano). In the second half we will be performing: ‘The Rose’ and ‘The Ground’ by Ola Gjeilo, the string orchestra will be performing Two Movements from the Peer Gynt Suite and there will be four solo Grieg songs sung by Jane and Sophie. The final item, with all performers taking part, will be the famous Barcarolle from ‘Les contes d’Hoffmann’ by Offenbach. What could be better! Many tickets are already sold, so please buy yours soon!
Hope to see you there.
Robin Forbes (ex-Head of Music at KEVI)
Sunday 26th March 2023
7:30pm
St. James Church, Morpeth
Tickets £10 each from:
Chorus members
or 01670 788 869
or on the door
