Christopher Whitehead Language College and Sixth Form’s Head of Performing Arts, Mel Dufty and her team are just weeks away from the first whole-school show for years, We Will Rock You.
The show, which will be the first of many live music events hosted throughout the year, is to raise funds to purchase a new minibus and other equipment and resources for students. This event may not have been possible without the generosity of an Ex Student. Jack Tompkins has always had an interest in sound and lighting and has provided the scaffolding and bought and installed state of the art lighting and sound equipment for use at the production of We Will Rock You!
After an initial meeting with Jack, who is now director of Fit Out Management UK who refit huge department stores, all the planning became a reality. While Jack has been successful, since leaving CWLC 14 years ago, he has never forgotten his roots and also still lives in Worcester. Huge thanks also goes to Malvern Scaffolding and sponsors Kellaway Building Supplies and Source Graphics.
Jack then bought thousands of pounds-worth of lighting and sound equipment for the college and even worked for free two full weekends in a row on the project. Even his builders have given their time for free. Some of them are also parents of current students so it’s been a real community project.
When Mel asked Jack why he had decided to help us in such an amazing way, he told her that the time he’d had in Mel’s form group and in being involved in past drama productions, gave him the confidence to use his initiative and think for himself. He attributes all of his current success to the start he had at Christopher Whitehead. Jack even coached a team of our students in the practicalities of set-building as he and his team worked and will be offering ongoing support, by training students and staff in using the new state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment.
This is an amazing story – CWLC & Sixth Form now have equipment and investment in their performing arts department that rivals the best private schools and has put the department forward about 7 to 10 years in terms of growth! This means the college have the facilities to support bands who hire our venue with sound and lighting tech, if required.
Watch the new installation video here:
STOP PRESS
As an added bonus to this story, Mel Dufty was in Hobbycraft yesterday and ex student who has a degree in Theatrical Costume Design offered to support the school in the Performing Arts Dept next venture, which is to create a costume room. This will enable us to build on what we already have and to be able to hire to other schools and organisations, to be able to top up the Performing Arts budget. Her partner is a stage set designer and he’s also offered to come into school to host some ‘set building’ workshops for the students.
Please support and join CWLC for performances of
We Will Rock You from Tuesday 7th – Thursday 9th March 2023, 7.30pm.
Featuring music by the legendary rock group Queen, the musical tells the story of a group of Bohemians who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought and fashion, and live music in a distant future where everyone dresses, thinks and acts the same!
Tickets are available now: £5 (£4 concessions)
For tickets please email: m.dufty@cwlc.email
Fundraiser – The Pleasure Dome – Saturday 18th March 2023
Popular 80s covers band The Pleasure Dome will perform some of the best music from the 80s. Relax or get into the groove!!!
Tickets in advance, for £8!
Bring your own drinks and snacks, 80s dress optional, but prizes for the best! Doors open: 7.30pm
Age restriction: 16s and over – must be accompanied by an adult.
To purchase tickets email: cwlcpta@cwlc.email or call: 07458 073438 Payment via: BACS.
