AUDIENCES were wowed by Hermitage Academy pupils’ recent production of Miss Saigon.

The school’s latest show was billed as one not to be missed in the run-up to the opening night, and it did not disappoint.

Principal teacher of music and drama, Pamela Frew, said that this was certainly one of their most ambitious musicals to date with continuous singing rather than dialogue with a number of songs.

And the young stage stars taking part certainly rose to the challenge.

Hermitage puts on two musicals each year – a senior show which is rehearsed and performed in the first five to six weeks of the school year and a junior production which takes place towards the end of the summer term.

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The cast of 40 pupils had clearly been working very hard over the preceding weeks and put on a slick and professional production.

The roles of Kim and Chris were played by S6 students Mia Rooney and Scott McGinlay who demonstrated a maturity beyond their years in coping not only with the vocal demands of their roles but also the sensitive and adult-themed storyline.

William Graham of S5 was captivating as the engineer, Abbie Johnstone and Jamie Thompson of S6 were also very strong in the roles of Ellen and Thuy, while S4 pupils James Grant and Sarah Mitchell, playing the roles of John and Gigi, gave brilliant assured performances.

Jenny Guy, Christina Taylor and Elizabeth Swain led the Vietnamese girls with strong vocal performances and great dance moves.

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The lead marines and Vietnamese army roles were played by Jack Woolner, Sam Charlton, CJ George and Christopher Clements.

Ms Frew said: “It was very refreshing to see such a strong male chorus take part in the production.

“Emily Hicks from Hermitage Primary was wonderful as Tam, Kim’s son and the show was accompanied by a band of 11 musicians made up of staff, former pupils and current pupils.”

The show was produced and choreographed by Mrs Gemma MacKinnon.

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