by Lorraine Gibson.

When real Broadway stars tell you to ‘break a leg’ – that’s definitely showbiz!
And it’s exactly what occurred prior to curtain up at Allenbourn Middle School’s end of term sell-out production when personal messages were received from big Broadway players Amber Riley from Glee and Judith Franklin from The Tina Turner musical, wishing the children well.

A cast of 70 from Years 5 to 8 at the Wimborne school took part in A Night At The Musicals and deputy headteacher and former theatre and visual arts professional Luke Smith managed to pull in the favours from the stars.
Headteacher Mark Legge said: “It was a fantastic production and because Luke previously worked at QE School, part of Wimborne Academy Trust, we were able to borrow some of its professional equipment.
“Both nights were 170-seat sell-outs and it was a real collaborative effort to produce such high-quality performances, with such detailed production elements, whilst maintaining an emphasis on inclusivity.
“Everyone on stage had a part and others were involved in costume, make-up, backstage and offering refreshments.
“We put together acting scenes, musical numbers and dance sequences from shows including Barnum, Hamilton, The Lion King, Matilda and Les Miserables.
“It was a Christmas present to the parents who came to watch and on the back of it some of our children have parts in QE School’s next show.”