Christ College pupils adapt world-renowned musical with professional support

To mark the 30th anniversary of Broadway’s popular Phantom of the Opera, Christ College Brecon collaborated with local theatre companies and professional actors to create a student-led performance of the acclaimed musical.

Over the years, Christ College Brecon’s drama department has replicated many prominent theatre productions to give pupils an in-depth insight into plays that have captivated culture and society.

Head of Christ College Brecon, Gareth Pearson said:

At Christ College Brecon we see drama as a living part of cultural heritage. It inspires our pupils to enter a world filled with creativity, and enables pupils to develop their ability to speak in public, increase confidence and develop sensitivity towards the feelings and opinions fictional characters experience.

West End performer Evan James joined the Christ College Brecon team to choreograph some of the famous routines, while Nantyglo singer and actress Katy Treharne, who previously portrayed the lead-role of Christine at Her Majesty’s Theatre London, gave an insight into the world of theatre.

Head of Drama, Lucy Richards said: “We’re so grateful for all the professional support we received during our preparations and the performance itself. Katy’s inside knowledge of the musical gave everyone a clear understanding of their characters and how to portray them.

“One of the biggest challenges we faced during set-up was the installation of the chandelier. It’s become a cult prop within the musical, so it couldn’t be missed in our production. Thanks to Celtic Prop Hire, Pyramid Theatre Management and CCB Technical Team we were able to install the chandelier and create the iconic fall.

“It was also gratifying to see so many local companies support our production, such as Cwmbran-based Stage a Show, Sound Engineers Dean Richards and Jordan Day-Williams of C.O.B.R.A. Music and Script to Screen from Cardiff, who designed the costumes.”

The musical showcased the calibre of talent of Christ College pupils. Martha Skibniewski-Woods from Haverfordwest portrayed the female-lead Christine Daaé while Alfie Jones from Crickhowell was casted as the mysterious Phantom.

Over the years Christ College Brecon pupils have excelled in theatre, as pupils made their debuts in national productions. Last year, Ben Masters, who held a leading role in the school’s production of Phantom of the Opera, made his West End debut in the Youth Music Theatre UK production of Tess of the d’Urbervilles.

Set within the Brecon Beacons National Park, Christ College is an independent co-educational boarding and day school, with 380 pupils on roll between the ages of seven to 18.