Following ongoing, dedicated rehearsals SES productions proudly presented a performance of Aladdin at The Garage, Norwich in January 2023, in front of staff and invited guests.

Our youngest performer was just 11 years old. She showed great confidence to take on the lead role and was eager to do so despite never being on the stage before.

Our Evil Sidekick and Sultan had also never performed on stage before, but took it all in their stride and we’re hoping to see them performing again now they’ve shown us all how good they are!

Our Princess was the most seasoned actors of all the young people, having appeared in all of the SES productions so far. She has also attended drama club as an extra-curricular activity.  The only slight difficulty was that she absolutely NEVER wears a dress, a necessity for any budding princess, but she stepped into the role at the last minute and got us out of a fix (in a ‘dressed-down’ dress!).

Every great story needs a narrator and ours really got to grips with the role and even wrote some of his own lines, he showed great confidence and we may be able to tempt him onto the stage next time.

Some of the SES staff took on roles, including Abanazar, the Genie and Wishy Washy, our talented adults took on their roles with gusto, as well as helping to support the children.   However, Wishy Washy wasn’t so keen initially as he passionately dislikes drama and was coerced (forced!) to take the role, he may have been converted though as he loved being the pantomime dame!  We’re hoping it could be an annual role for him!

The whole performance was directed by two of our talented teaching staff, both passionate about drama and the benefits it offers our young people in promoting self-worth and confidence.