Loughborough Schools Foundation’s Senior School production is always a wonderful event in the annual calendar. This year it has been made even more special as the performance marks the 175th Birthday of Loughborough High School. 

Tasked with the tricky job of choosing which show to produce and selecting one which truly marked the occasion, director, Miss Sally Boon, commented “I knew it was going to have to be special. The choice of show was always going to be difficult as there are so many variables in staging a school musical”. 

After much deliberation, Miss Boon landed on the final choice of Mary Poppins – a much-loved British classic which has at its core an independent female leading lady. Performed for the very first time in the Loughborough High School Hall, “the beating heart of LHS” due to its rich history and beautiful design, the production showcased the School as a centre for artistic excellence. 

Reflecting on the process of producing the show, Miss Boon notes, “I think we all have enjoyed and embraced the opportunity to navigate a national cultural treasure with our own imaginations and creativity”. 

This creativity shone through both in the performance of the cast members and the skillful expertise of everyone behind the scenes as every element from set design to sound, music and lighting culminated in a visually exciting show that captured audience imagination. 

Resulting from months of hard work from everyone involved, Loughborough Grammar School pupil Dante, who played Bert in the production, commented, “being in Mary Poppins has been a great experience as I feel it’s been a project we have worked on for a long time and it’s great to be able to show the audience the hard work and commitment we have put in”. 

Highlighting the fun and excitement of being part of such a memorable production, Sofia, who played the lead role of Mary Poppins, reflected that “playing Mary Poppins has been an absolute privilege in such a wonderful production, working with all the cast has been a joy and every rehearsal has been a pleasure.” 

For Loughborough High School pupil, Ellie, who shared the role of Jane Banks with fellow pupil, Estella, throughout the course of the week, Mary Poppins was her first experience of being in a Senior School production. Reflecting on the show, Ellie commented “being in this show has been an absolute privilege and, as my first production at LHS, it has surely been a memorable one. I have had a brilliant time and made many lifelong friends along the way; it was truly an unforgettable experience!” 

Making the occasion even more momentous, the cast and crew received an extremely special letter from Mary Poppins herself, Julie Andrews, which read: “I just want to send the cast and crew members my warmest thoughts and wishes for a successful show! I hope it brings you all as much joy as it brought to me”. 

Congratulations go to everyone from Loughborough Schools Foundation who was involved in putting together and presenting such a wonderful show, which is now the latest addition to Loughborough High School’s cherished history.