Brockenhurst College stage production of Pippin nominated for four National School Theatre Awards

A COLLEGE’S stage production of Broadway show Pippin has earned four National School Theatre Awards nominations.

Running over four nights, Brockenhurst College’s production was nominated for this year’s best musical, best ensemble, best actor for Eden Hunt, and best actress for Ciara Smyth. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in June.

Students from the college’s performing arts and music academy and other associated courses joined forces with enrichment students to form a main cast of nine, backed up by a musical ensemble of 30, a live orchestra and a stage crew.

Nominee Ciara Smyth said: “The support from the staff and students has provided me with the opportunity to really grow as a performer – I would definitely encourage others to get involved in such an enriching experience."

The original production of Pippin was staged on Broadway in 1972 by Bob Fosse.

Pippin tells the story of a young prince desperate to find a sense of belonging, passion and adventure in his life.

To demonstrate his loyalty to his father, King Charles, Pippin goes to war, but is encouraged to fight against cruelty, leading him to overthrow his father by killing him

Realising his mistake, Pippin pleads with the leading player to bring his father back to life, which she does.

He then falls in love with a widow, Catherine, and begins a new life with her and her son – much to the leading player's annoyance – and Pippin struggles to decide whether to settle for his new life or continue to create magic with the players.

Director Moira Rock said: “It has been my true privilege to work with all the students and the creative team involved in this project.

“Watching them develop and grow in confidence and skill through the rehearsals was a real honour, and we also had a lot of fun.

“I am really proud of how playful and engaged the ensemble was and how they were such an integral part of the piece throughout.”