The Drama Department at Llantwit Major Comprehensive has been really busy recently and are particularly proud of their production of DISCO INFERNO which took place in July. Head of Department, Kay Smith who returned form maternity leave after Christmas has been delighted by the enthusiasm and energy of the all the young performers which this year included over 60 students from Yr 7 -13. DISCO INFERNO tells the story of wannabe superstar Jack and his pact with the devil that if he sells him his soul he will achieve his dream of being a Rock Star. Set in a 70s nightclub, the new musical really takes the audience on a trip to the past with musical numbers such as CELEBRATION, YOU TO ME ARE EVERYTHING and HOT STUFF.

      

Some of the staff also had a lot of fun in the show with lots of teachers helping out backstage as well as onstage. Some very special guest artists played the VILLAGE PEOPLE and it was great to see staff and students working together to present such a fantastic show.

Two Llantwit students represented the county in The National Youth Theatre of Wales this year. Ex- pupil Ryan Hacker and Jack Spargo from Yr 13 attended six weeks of intensive rehearsals of CAFE CARIAD, a new musical. The production toured Wales finishing in The Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. Jack was given the very demanding job of Deputy Stage Manager and was actually in charge of the running of the show every night! Ryan goes on to Rose Bruford Drama College in London after achieving an A for A Level Theatre Studies at Llantwit.

Sara Davies in Yr 12 played the lead in a short film called SEEING IS BELIEVING made by The Drama Academy. It was part of the First Light scheme and received its own premiere in CINEWORLD, Cardiff. A number of our other students were also involved and attended the premiere.

      

As part of activities week, the Drama Department set up its own Film Production Company. They worked closely with the local PACT group and came up with a story based around under age drinking and anti social behaviour in the town. The film was made entirely by the students and is called BOTTOM LINE. Leading roles were played by Rhys Morgan and Amy Reddaway who also wrote the film. Alison Webster and Sam Lane directed it and Helen Cheshire wrote the music. The project involved over forty students and included them going to a professional recording studio and editing suite in the Summer. One of the scenes required the team to crash a car and was a real talking point in the local community. There are plans to hold a special premiere evening for all involved in October.