Laddsworth Junior Primary School presented 'The Day Before Christmas in Africa', to parents, grandparents, senior primary scholars and Hilton Pre-Primary grade R's during the course of last week. By the end of the Thursday night finale, each of the 217 grade one, two and three pupils had notched up a fair amount of experience in the dramatic arts.
Keri Maxfield, a Grade two educator and a talented photographer set her attention to writing the script for this production during the July holidays. Her efforts resulted in a brilliant story which was relevant and topical, with a refreshing local focus. The age appropriate tale was comfortably owned by the extensive cast. Teachers and parents combined their efforts; sewing costumes, building and painting stage props and coordinating the music, song and dance.
Colourful costumes, the adaptation of home-grown songs, a creative stage set and the interesting use of various groups representing indigenous creatures, weather phenomena and even the vegetables were memorable. Viewers delighted in seeing confident children sharing their African dance skills.
The relaxed cast clearly had a whole lot of fun presenting this show and their enjoyment shined through making for an 'all-star' performance.