Emma wins rave reviews for national performance

Published by Oakham School on Wednesday 10th of September 2014

A local school pupil returns to school this week after receiving rave reviews for the London musical she took part in during the summer holidays. Emma, a music scholar at Oakham School, performed in the National Youth Music Theatre's production of The Hired Man by Howard Goodall at St James Theatre, London.

Emma, from Thurlby, is no stranger to performing at such a high level, having already performed in the orchestra for the National Youth Music Theatre's production of West Side Story in 2013. This time Emma found herself performing on her 'cello on stage, as well as singing and dancing. In addition to mastering the skill of playing and singing simultaneously from memory, Emma was kept busy in an intense two weeks of rehearsals and performances in the first half of August.

Emma said, "Overall, I loved the experience, but found it completely different to anything I have ever done before. Being on stage for every single scene was daunting at first, but was great fun as well."

The production won rave reviews, many of which highlighted the talents of the cast's young musicians. As part of the prestigious National Youth Music Theatre, Emma is following in the footsteps of some impressive alumni; including actors Eddie Redmayne, Sheridan Smith, Idris Elba and Jude Law.

'Emma is an incredibly talented musician, who rightly deserves a place on a national stage,' says Peter Davis, Director of Music. 'I am enormously proud of her achievements, and the fact that she, along with many other musicians at Oakham School, are continuing our national reputation for musical excellence.'

Emma is now looking forward to the next opportunity she will have to perform with the National Youth Music Theatre - at a Christmas concert in St John's Smith Square, London.