Thursday evening saw the wonderful Music and Mystery promenade concert, which took place in eight venues around the School – what an amazing end to the Spring term!

As the audience members arrived, they were greeted by a lovely string quartet in the fireplace. The scene was immediately set for 1920s glamour, with the musicians playing in front of an art deco upholstered chaise longue, and a ‘roaring’ fire. The first venue for the promenade concert was the Studios, where a swing band played Michael Jackson, Putting on the Ritz, and Midsomer Murders, accompanied by bubbles and canapés.

After a short perambulation to the Chapel, the audience enjoyed Shostakovich’s iconic Waltz No2. After a dramatic pause, the orchestra began the famous and terrifying theme from the Phantom of the Opera. Halfway through, the piece was interrupted by a blood-curdling scream. The characters, played by Year 10 students, gave the performance a chilling edge, setting the scene for the Agatha Christie-esque search for a villain, with far too many suspects.

In the Cloisters, the audience met the mistress, accompanied by the Senior Singers, with a rendition of Killer Queen. Standing under the Cloisters, the audience heard one of the suspects try to absolve herself of the crime. As they passed through the Blyth, they saw the crime scene, with the victim’s outline on the floor.

The next venue was Main Reception, where the Senior Singers sang Killing Me Softly. The close harmonies were lovely, with the sound filtering down the corridors and up the main stairs. At the end of the performance, the chauffeur appeared through the front door of the School – another suspect.

The next venue was the Art Gallery in the Old Ref. Rachel and Abi played Tchaikovsky’s lovely Waltz, while the characters walked the audience around the wonderful Exhibition of our students’ work. The Library was transformed into a Poker Room, where Fleur sang Lady Gaga’s Poker Face, supported by the Senior Singers. In the Drama Studio, Anything Goes by Galina, and Charlie sang Cry Me a River and Putting on the Ritz.

The finale, and the revelation of the guilty suspect, took place in the Theatre, where the characters with whom the audience had shared their journey brought the mystery to a close. The promenade Concert came full circle, and the final piece was a medley from the Phantom of the Opera – accompanied by the orchestra, with the choir singing Music of the Night. The promenade concert ended with a fantastic series of explosions, as the chandelier over the stage fell to the ground – it was a remarkable spectacle!

Thanks to the Art Department – as well as setting up the Exhibition in the Old Ref, they upholstered the chaise longue, made the Cluedo cards, staged the tableaux in the Blyth, and printed the archive photos, which were displayed along the Main Corridor, to mark the 125th anniversary.

Thank you to Mr Woodhouse, who wrote the original script, which was then adapted by Lydia and the Year 10 performers. This promenade spectacle showed remarkable ambition, and pushed the bounds of a school performance – it was clear from their comments as they left that the audience members had really enjoyed the evening. One said, ‘It was an absolutely brilliant evening. Stylish, elegant, superb attention to detail, with fantastic musical performances and acting, and a great storyline. Congratulations, and huge thanks!’

Huge thanks and congratulations to the Music and Drama departments, and to the Theatre and IT teams – it was a fantastic show!