Liverpool: Salesian school delivers show-stopping production of Sister Act

Scene from Sister Act

More than 60 pupils from St John Bosco Arts College recently put on multiple show-stopping performances of Sister Act.

Pupils, from Years 7 to 11, got involved in the school's production. The feel-good musical tells the story of a woman who has no choice but to take refuge in a convent, which ultimately results in her leading its choir and helping the group gain popularity, whilst also uplifting the sisters who are part of it.

The talented performers acted, sang, and danced their way around the Bosco stage to over 400 parents, carers, and members of the local community across two evening shows. The cast also delivered a special matinee performance to 300 primary school students.

From the moment the curtain went up, the students had the audience captivated. Applause and laughter echoed through the room, with cast members even encouraged to come back to the stage to take a final bow.

Performing arts is a popular subject at St John Bosco Arts College, and students are encouraged to develop their talents for the arts through choir, band and dance as part of the many extra-curricular lunchtime and after-school clubs.

Pupils have picked up many performance skills, and this was evident throughout the Sister Act production, where each performance received a standing ovation and a huge round of applause.

The production was directed by Craig Gaffney, a performing arts teaching assistant at the school and Anna Shawcroft, who is a drama teacher. Music teacher, Christine Finnigan, was musical director.

Mr Craig Gaffney said: "Once again, our pupils put on a highly impressive performance. Their ability to come together and embody every character in a way that brings the story of Sister Act to life is amazing, and to see the members of our audience smiling, laughing, and completely compelled was fantastic.

"The dedication shown by each and every performer, right from the auditions and up to the shows themselves has been phenomenal. I am incredibly proud of what they have achieved, and we are already looking forward to the next musical."

Headteacher Mr Darren Gidman, commented: "A huge well done to everyone who got involved in our recent Sister Act production. Our pupils never fail to amaze me, and it is always a pleasure to see them showcasing their many talents on the big stage in front of large audiences. They were very entertaining!

On Wednesday, 31st January, the school celebrated the Feast Day of its patron saint, St John Bosco with a day of special activities, beginning with a special Mass celebrated by Fr Tony Frain.

This year's theme highlighted the bicentennial of St John Bosco's dream he had at the age of nine and the focus of the Strenna, a Salesian theme for the year that is published by the Rector Major Cardinal Angel Fernandez. Salesian Strenna 2024 is 'the dream that makes you dream', 'a heart that transforms wolves into lambs'.

Each year group participated in different activities throughout the day. Year 7 pupils were tasked with designing and creating their own Salesian superhero masks, followed by a catwalk to showcase their creations. Year 8 and 9 pupils attended a local cinema to watch the Wonka movie, while pupils from Year 10 participated in a game of Bosco Bingo and even got to compete to create a form mascot. Year 11 students played inflatable games and created bespoke dream catchers. For a special treat, sixth form students headed off the school grounds to Hollywood Bowl for a round of bowling.

The jam-packed schedule allowed students to enjoy some time away from the day-to-day of school life.

Headteacher Mr Darren Gidman, said: "The Feast Day of St John Bosco is one of the most important dates in our calendar and is a chance for our school community to come together to give thanks and celebrate the life and teachings of St John Bosco.

"As the patron saint of youth, St John Bosco dedicated his life to the service of young people. His teachings and determination to respond to the needs of the young are a powerful reminder that we must support, encourage, and nurture young people.

"Through faith, hope and love, we can create an environment where our students can truly flourish academically, emotionally, socially and morally."

St John Bosco Arts College is located in Croxteth, Liverpool. The college is an exciting, vibrant and dynamic girls' Catholic comprehensive school with a proud Salesian ethos. For more information, visit: www.stjohnboscoartscollege.com

Read more about St John Bosco: www.indcatholicnews.com/saint/34