Performing Arts

At Southfield Primary School, the performing arts are a cornerstone of our educational experience, enriching our students’ development in countless ways. Every year, each year group has the thrilling opportunity to participate in two spectacular productions that showcase their talents and celebrate their growth.

Our dazzling Christmas performance marks the joyous end of the Michaelmas term, while the vibrant Summer Show provides a grand finale to the Trinity term. These highly anticipated events are much more than just entertainment; they are transformative experiences for every pupil. Each child is encouraged to take the stage, whether to sing, act, dance, or support behind the scenes, ensuring that everyone is part of the magic.

The performing arts offer incredible benefits, helping our pupils develop essential skills that extend far beyond the stage. Through rehearsals and performances, students build confidence as they overcome nerves and step into the spotlight. Their oracy skills improve as they learn to speak clearly and project their voices, enabling them to communicate effectively. Collaborative efforts foster teamwork and resilience, while creative expression nurtures self-awareness and emotional growth.

By prioritizing the performing arts, we give our students the tools to grow not only as performers but also as well-rounded individuals. At Southfield, we celebrate every child’s unique potential, providing an inclusive space where they can discover their talents, connect with their peers, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The stage is where their journey of confidence, creativity, and personal growth truly begins!

Below are some snippets for this year's offering: 

 

 

Reception - The Nativity

In Reception for our Christmas Production we performed the traditional Nativity where Mary and Joseph go on a journey to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus Christ. Along the way they encounter shepards, an angel, three wise men and a very friendly innkeeper who all come together to celebrate Jesus.

To bring this performance to life the stage is transformed into the town of Bethlehem with sheep, palm trees, buildings and a shining star to guide the way.

The children also took real care in creating realistic and incredible costumes that helped enhance the story and got the children excited and into performance mode.

Here are what some of the children said throughout their time rehearsing and after the live show!

 ‘I had so much fun!’ - Leo 

‘Going on stage was scary but really exciting.’ - Gabrielle

‘My mummy and daddy were so proud of me!.’ - Eva

‘I liked learning all the songs and dances.’ - Marley 

‘When’s the next show?’ - Harold

Year 1 - The Honkey Tonkey Donkey 

Honky Tonky, the world's only one-man band donkey, is struggling with writer's block. Looking for inspiration, he is delighted when Mary and Joseph ask for his help on their journey to Bethlehem. Surely he will find inspiration there? With the arrival of a new-born baby, not to mention angels, shepherds and kings, Honky Tonky soon finds he has plenty to write about.

Year One absolutely loved coming together to put on this performance for all their adults. They worked so hard to learn all the songs and worked on new skills like voice projection and using a microphone. Their skills and commitment were magnified by their incredible costumes and props. A real highlight for the children was seeing it all come together with professional lighting. 

“I felt so proud on stage as I worked really hard to learn my lines.”

“I loved working with the other class and being able to show the whole school our rehearsals.” 

Year 2 - Hey Ewe!

This Christmas, our wonderful Year 2 pupils were thrilled to take to the stage to perform the lively and heartwarming nativity, Hey Ewe! Set in the Roman era, the play was told through the eyes of a curious little sheep who had a deep feeling that something exciting was about to happen. While the rest of the flock grew increasingly annoyed by the lack of sleep they were able to get, the determined little sheep persevered on their quest to uncover what was coming. Along the way, the story brought the traditional nativity to life in a fresh and humorous way, featuring bustling shepherds, joyful angels, majestic kings, and, of course, the arrival of baby Jesus. The children captivated the audience with their storytelling, catchy songs, and heartfelt performances. Their hard work and enthusiasm shone through in every scene, leaving everyone smiling and truly capturing the spirit of Christmas!

The stage was brought to life with a stunning hand-painted skyline of Bethlehem, surrounded by lush bushes, adorable baby sheep, and grand palm trees, with grass and foliage beautifully protruding from all sides of the stage. Adding to the magic, the children fully embodied their roles with an incredible array of costumes, including Roman soldiers, flocks of sheep, wise men, donkeys, and, of course, Mary and Joseph. The vibrant set and detailed costumes created a captivating atmosphere that transported the audience straight to the heart of the nativity story.

From the very beginning, all Year 2 pupils were fully engaged, taking the time to discuss and explore every aspect of the play. They learned that it’s the combined effort of all cast members—no matter how big or small their role—that helps create a truly great show. This experience not only allowed them to shine on stage but also deepened their understanding of the theatre and the hard work that goes into producing a memorable performance. From rehearsals to the final bows, the children worked together as a team, making Hey Ewe! a production to remember.

“I loved Hey Ewe! The songs were great, and I had to perform a dance in front of the whole audience. I was so proud of myself.” – Florence

“I had so many lines to learn. I didn’t think I could do but I get practicing and show was amazing! I felt so happy afterwards.” – Alia

“Hey Ewe was really funny. The audience laughed lots so I knew we were doing a good job.” - Mousa

Year 3 - The Mouse in Santa's House

This year’s Year 3 Christmas performance, The Mouse in Santa’s House, was a heartwarming and hilarious mini-musical that brought festive cheer to all who watched. The enchanting tale followed twin brothers, Timmy and Tommy, as they dreamed of the perfect Christmas gift: pet mice! Unlikely though it seems, two mice, Tip and Top, take a quick nap amongst the presents in Santa’s Workshop, beginning Tip and Top’s flight of a lifetime and their subsequent arrival at the house of two very lucky young boys. From the North Pole to the boys’ very own home, the performance was packed with laughter, music, and Christmas magic.

The children threw themselves wholeheartedly into rehearsals, bringing energy and creativity to every practice. They worked collaboratively to design and create stunning props and costumes, adding their own festive flair to the show.

Throughout the process, the children shared their vision for the final performance, interpreting the script with imagination. They choreographed actions for the songs and added personal touches to the characters, making The Mouse in Santa’s House a truly unique and memorable production for all.

With wonderful acting, lively songs and a festive atmosphere, The Mouse in Santa’s House was a joyous celebration of holiday spirit and the power of wishes coming true. 

“At the start of rehearsals, I felt quite nervous. Thinking about the bigger picture, I ignored my fears and after the play was finished I felt impressed with myself for doing it!” - Marcel

“I felt the play went really well! I loved making people laugh by pretending to be an old person, especially when I walked slowly all around the hall with my walking stick.” - Teuta

“I really enjoyed the play, especially the costumes!” - Isabel

Year 4 - Home for Christmas

This Christmas, Year 4 had the privilege of performing ‘Home For Christmas’ – a wonderful musical which explored the contrast between the bustling commercialism of a modern Christmas with the plight of the homeless. This was the first time ‘Home For Christmas’ was performed at Southfield, which made it even more exciting for Year 4 and their audience.

Our performance followed siblings Nicky, Ben and Paul and their friendship with a homeless women called Kate. Eager to help, we watched as the children persuaded their Mum to help Kate and explored the differences between people’s experiences of Christmas. As well as this important message, the performance included some fantastic songs and solos such as ‘4 Days To Go’, ‘Carol Medley’ and ‘Celebrate’ which the children performed with enthusiasm and an infectious energy.

Our performance also linked to our work in the classroom as we explored the theme of homelessness through the novel ‘Street Child’; a story inspired by Dr Barnardo. Our work in English lessons and Charities Week, raising money for ‘Barnardo’s’, supported our understanding and performance of this powerful story.

Year 4 were involved in every aspect of the performance: rehearsals, prop making and costumes - broadening their understanding of all the elements of performing arts. The children absolutely loved these experiences, see below what they had to say:

‘I loved all of it! It was brilliant’ – Mariella

‘There was a role for everyone – it’s so fun getting to sing, dance and act!’ – Alfie

‘You have the chance to perform to your parents – it was great to feel how proud they were of me!’ – Wassim

‘Whether you’re on or off stage, you always feel included and involved’- Chrissy

Year 5 - Bah Humbug!

This December, Southfield’s year 5 classes brought the magic of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to life with our enchanting production of Bah Humbug!. Featuring a cast of talented pupils, dazzling costumes, and 10 unforgettable songs, the performance was a perfect blend of festive cheer, heartfelt moments, and creative storytelling.

The musical numbers were a true highlight of the show. The rousing “Glad to Be a Chimney Sweep” saw the stage come alive with a spectacular all-singing, all-dancing ensemble. “Fezziwig’s Shindig” had the audience clapping and tapping along, while the title song “Bah Humbug!” was performed with dramatic flair and playful energy that perfectly captured Scrooge’s grumpy demeanour. The show was concluded by the timeless classic “Joy to the World,” which filled the audience with festive cheer.

A standout feature of Bah Humbug! was the creativity and effort that went into the props and set design. From handmade chimney sweeps to intricate Victorian-style decorations, many of the props were crafted by the children themselves, adding an extra layer of pride and magic to the production.

Here’s what some of the children had to say about their experience:

“I loved performing ‘Glad to Be a Chimney Sweep’ because it was so energetic, and everyone worked together like a real team!”

“Making the props was so much fun. I painted my own chimney sweep, and it felt amazing to use it during the dance!”

“Singing ‘Bah Humbug!’ was my favourite moment. I loved making all of the faces behind scrooges back!”

The success of Bah Humbug! was made possible by the dedication of our pupils, staff, and families, who worked tirelessly to create a show that will be remembered for years to come. From Scrooge’s journey to redemption to the joyful carols that filled the air, the performance truly captured the spirit of Christmas: kindness, generosity, and togetherness.

Year 6 - Christmas 1914

Our play begins in August 1914, with the announcement of war stirring emotions of both patriotism and apprehension. Joe and his friends, driven by a mix of excitement and duty, rush to enlist, leaving behind their anxious families and sweethearts. This moment captures the spirit of youthful optimism that characterised the early days of World War I, where many believed the conflict would be short-lived and glorious. The sense of departure is underscored by a rousing chorus of wartime favourites, creating an atmosphere of both camaraderie and heartache as the lads bid farewell to their loved ones.

As the war progresses, our story shifts to the home front, where the community comes together to maintain morale and support one another. A poignant scene takes place during a Christmas carol concert, symbolising the resilience and unity of those left behind. The carols, filled with both joy and melancholy, serve as a reminder of traditions being upheld amidst uncertainty. These moments emphasise the impact of war on families and communities, showing how bonds were tested yet strengthened in the face of shared loss and hardship.

Our play concludes with a moving moment of remembrance, as the community reflects on the absence of their loved ones. This final scene is both a tribute to the sacrifices made by the soldiers and a sombre acknowledgment of the realities of war. By honouring those who did not return, our production leaves the audience with a profound sense of gratitude and reflection.

This play brought to life the human aspects of World War I, complementing our historical studies by adding emotional depth to the facts we’ve learned and the knowledge we have gained over the Michaelmas term. Seeing the characters’ enthusiasm to enlist mirrored the propaganda and societal pressures we discussed in class, while the anxious families depicted the home front’s emotional toll. The carol concert scene highlighted the cultural significance of Christmas during the war, reinforcing our understanding of events like the 1914 Christmas Truce. Finally, the moment of remembrance connected powerfully to the themes of loss, sacrifice, and memory we explored in lessons. By dramatising these experiences, the play helped us better appreciate the personal stories behind the statistics, making our study of World War I more vivid and meaningful.

 'I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the year's Christmas show because it highlighted the emotion behind the story and the hardships that people face every day during the war'- Marie. 

'The Year 6 Christmas production was exciting. My friends and I experienced life as soldiers in World War 1. It felt like we were a family, all fighting for each other' - Nano.

'Taking part in the Year 6 production of Christmas 1914 was a great experience to be part of. I enjoyed the concept of roleplaying what it would have been like during the beginning of the First World War, in a time when women began to gain power across the country. I also loved that could act with all my friends throughout many rehearsals before we eventually performed our production' - Etta.

'Taking part in the Year 6 play Christmas 1914 was a fantastic experience. It helped me to understand how women in World War 1 fought to get the vote and how they faced challenges with their friends. I also acted with some of my close friends and it felt like we were really at the beginning of World War One, experiencing the same things as people did at the time' - Zoya. 

 

 

Reception - The Litter Muncher

The Litter Muncher tells the story of a hard- working robot who has finally had enough of cleaning up after the people in Lazy Daisy Village. While he falls asleep, he has a dream that all of the people clean up their rubbish. Without the machines help, the villagers realise how hard he must work and promise to always clean up their rubbish. The play teaches children the importance of cleaning up and not littering in a fun and light hearted way.

To make this experience an immersive and realistic one, the stage was filled with rubbish bins and wonderful village props that really allowed the play to come to life.

We are so grateful to all the parents for supplying such detailed and creative costumes and to all the children for their hard and work and dedication in learning their lines and performing the songs so well.

Here are what some of the children had to say after the performance:

Evie – ‘I’m so proud that I got to do lots of songs on stage.’

Ethan - ‘I liked wearing my litter muncher costume and it was so exciting to play him.’

Maggie – ‘It was so much fun getting to dance and perform with my best friends.’

Edoardo - ‘Being the Lord Mayor was so funny and I think I did a good job.’

Year 1 - The Bee Musical 

Every busy bee in Mr Waxworth’s hive is eager to do their part- except for one. Poor Grumble Bee! She wants to do something special with her life and doesn’t see the point of finding nectar and collecting pollen all day long. After all, what’s important about that? But, when world bee colonies start collapsing and a shortage of plants means they are unable to pollinate all sorts of food types, Mr Waxworth and the bees put on their thinking caps to do something about it!

The children were as busy as a bees rehearsing and practicing their singing, dancing and acting skills to showcase their talents. It was brilliant to see how much growth has occurred throughout the year in their confidence and stage presence. Each Year 1 student showed dedication when learning their lines, remembering when to move on and off the stage, and taking responsibility with their props. 

The catchy songs were a real highlight of the show and it was a joy to see everyone singing and dancing together. The show was brought to life and we were transported right inside the bee hive with the striking set pieces and costumes. 

There was a wonderful sense of achievement at the conclusion of their play! Here is what the children had to say:

"I liked learning all the songs- especially my solo song!" - Luna

"When I came on the stage I felt very nervous, I had never seen so many grown ups in the audience before!" - Victoria

"At first I didn't know how to be an actor, but then I thought what would my character do?" - Iakovos

"I'm proud of myself because I practiced the songs and dances a lot!" - Khadija 

Year 2 - Peter Pan 

This summer, Year 2 whisked us away on a magical adventure in their stunning production of Peter Pan. The story began when Peter Pan came to the Darling household in search of his lost shadow but what followed was beyond imagination! Wendy, John and Michael flew with Peter and the mischievous Tinkerbell to Neverland: a world of wonder, danger and friendship.

There, they met the Lost Boys, took on fearsome pirates and navigated the seas stalked by a ticking crocodile with a taste for Captain Hook. Through courage, laughter and a touch of pixie dust, the children experienced unforgettable adventures before returning home, forever changed.

The play was a tremendous hit! An ambitious production that our Year 2 pupils tackled with enthusiasm, energy and sheer talent. From heartfelt solos to spirited sword fights, every moment was performed with joy and precision. Their acting, singing and stage presence earned rapturous applause and glowing praise.

Elena : “I loved every part of Peter Pan. The songs and actions were so great. I was so proud to sing my solo ‘Wendy’s House’.”

Kaito: “Peter Pan was such a fun play. I loved getting to scare the audience and capture Captain Hook.”

Mousa: “I had such a fun time. Everyone helped me to learn my lines and I was so proud of myself when it went so well.”

Year 3 - Mystery at Magpie Manor

This year’s Year 3 summer performance, Mystery at Magpie Manor, was a delightful and entertaining musical that charmed audiences with its dazzling 1920s flair and lighthearted spirit. The story transported us to the grand Magpie Manor, where a missing family heirloom, unexpected guests, and a looming royal visit stirred up a whirlwind of mystery, mischief, and music.

The children embraced their roles with enthusiasm, immersing themselves in the glamorous world of flapper dresses, feather boas, and detective intrigue. From rehearsals to the final curtain call, their energy and dedication brought the characters to life with humour, style, and sparkle.

As part of the production process, the children contributed their ideas to the staging, choreographing lively routines and adding creative flourishes to their characters. They collaborated to design eye-catching props and costumes that perfectly captured the vintage theme and added a distinctive charm to the performance.

With its clever script, toe-tapping tunes, and a touch of mystery, Magpie Manor was a show to remember! Full of laughter and excitement, we thoroughly enjoyed sharing the extravaganza to all the parents in attendance. A huge well done to all the young performers for creating such a unique and memorable end-of-year celebration!

Amelia - "Playing Inspector Spectre was the best! I got to be in charge of solving the mystery, and I loved acting like a serious detective - it was so much fun!"

Ava - “The songs were so catchy, and I really enjoyed learning the dance routines as a flapper. Performing in front of everyone was nerve-wracking but so much fun!”

Blake- "Being Lord Pica was brilliant! I liked pretending to be the grand owner of Magpie Manor - it was fun acting a bit posh and dramatic on stage.

 

Year 4 - Wind in the Willows

This Summer, Year 4 had the delight of performing The Wind in the Willows; a lively and heart-warming musical adaptation of the classic tale by Kenneth Grahame. Having studied the novel in our English lessons, we were thrilled to bring the characters and adventures to life on stage.

Our performance followed the gentle Mole, the loyal Rat, the wise Badger and the wildly impulsive Mr Toad. With his love of fast cars and reckless behaviour, Toad finds himself in a whirlwind of trouble, including a stint in prison and the loss of his beloved Toad Hall to the scheming Chief Weasel and his Wild Wooders. With the help of his faithful friends, Toad embarks on a daring escape and a heroic mission to reclaim his home.

Alongside the tale’s humour and energy, our production explored powerful messages of friendship, loyalty and redemption, encouraging us all to think about what it means to stand by one another in times of trouble and to make amends for our mistakes.

Year 4 were involved in every aspect of the production, from learning lines and rehearsing our songs, to making props, assembling costumes and even choreographing their own actions for the musical numbers.

The children absolutely loved taking part in the production, see below what they had to say:

‘Rehearsing for Wind in the Willows was such a fun experience, I am so glad we were able to perform it in front of our families!’ – Roger

‘The show was truly unforgettable; it was a marvel - not to miss!’ – Samuel

‘Being on stage was amazing! I felt nervous at first, but then it was just so exciting.’ - Iona

Year 5 - A Midsummer Night's Dream 

This term, our brilliant Year 5 pupils brought the magic and mischief of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to life in a dazzling end of year production. With a cast of all fifty eight children, the performance was a spectacular celebration of teamwork, talent and creativity. From the opening scene to the final song, the audience were swept away into an enchanted world of fairies, mistaken lovers and magical mayhem.

Our young performers truly embraced the spirit of the play, delivering their lines with confidence and flair while showcasing their developing understanding of Shakespearean language from all three stages. The show was filled with moments of laughter, drama and heartfelt emotion, made even more memorable by the incredible musical performances woven throughout the production.

Our favourite highlights included wonderful solo performances from Isla and Holly, whose rendition of “A Million Tricks” captivated the audience and demonstrated the outstanding vocal talent within the year group. Each child played an important role in the success of the production, whether delivering lines, dancing as part of a group, or supporting behind the scenes with props and staging. Bottom was played by the wonderful Kiki and with her band of actors and mechanicals setting the stage for our play within a play, the tune of “Hee Haw” played out to barrels of applause and laughter.

The show reached a joyous and unforgettable climax with “A Hot Midsummer’s Night,” a high energy finale that had everyone in the audience clapping along and even dancing in their seats. It was the perfect ending to a magical performance, filled with fun, laughter and well deserved applause.

This production was not only a celebration of performance but also of the growth and development we have seen in our Year 5 classes throughout the year. Their dedication, enthusiasm and courage shone through in every scene, and we could not be prouder of what they have achieved. It was truly a Midsummer's night to remember.

“An amazing fun performance, I loved acting during the Hot Midsummer night song!” Lucian

“Outstanding and really fun to perform, I loved being chased by Kiki and being able to throw around tissue paper as my blood.” Daisy

“It went faster than a blink and I loved being part of the show.” Kiki

Year 6 - Mary Poppins

The Year 6 students delivered an unforgettable performance of Mary Poppins Junior, marking the grand finale of their primary school journey. Ava was nothing short of magical as Mary Poppins, effortlessly embodying the whimsical charm and authoritative grace of the beloved nanny. Etta and Reuben brought the Banks children to life with infectious energy and heart, capturing both their mischievous nature and the innocence of childhood. Nano and Zoya portrayed George and Winifred Banks with depth and sincerity, showcasing their love for their children and their transformation throughout the story.

The ensemble brought an incredible level of energy and enthusiasm, making every scene feel vibrant and alive. From the playful chimney sweeps to the buzzing honey bees, the park strollers and the statues that magically came to life, each group added a unique layer of charm and excitement. The policeman chasing Jane and Michael added a touch of comedy and fun, perfectly capturing the chaos and whimsy of the story. And of course, Bert, our charismatic narrator, effortlessly guided the audience through the story with his infectious charm and delightful energy.  

The production featured renditions of the most iconic songs, each performed to perfection. The cast soared through “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” with exuberant energy, leaving the audience in awe. "A Spoonful of Sugar" was delivered with delightful charm, reminding everyone of the magic in life’s small moments and of course, the soaring "Let’s Go Fly a Kite" filled the room with joy and nostalgia. It was clear that every child gave their all, contributing to a spectacular and unforgettable finale.

With dazzling choreography, captivating performances, and a heart-warming story, this final Year 6 production was an absolute triumph. It was a magical way for the children to bid farewell to primary school, leaving behind cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

I truly had the best time performing Mary Poppins this year. Rehearsing with all of my friends was a very enjoyable and memorable experience. I will never forget this Year 6 production. - Ava

I really enjoyed the Summer production this year as we were able to create our own actions for the songs. The props were extremely creative and it made the play look amazing. - Laura

One thing that I particularly liked about the play was that the actions for the songs were all created by the children and we performed them with great synchronisation. I am going to remember this play as one of the greatest I have performed in. - Felix

I loved taking part in our last play at Southfield because it was fun stepping into the role of a different type of character. Making the kites and other props for the play was great and I hope to take part in more plays like this in secondary school. - Hidaya

Mary Poppins was a special performance for me as it allowed me to become more confident and really enjoy acting with my friends. Making the props really made the play feel like our own and brought it to life. - Reuben

I absolutely loved taking part in Mary Poppins. Being a main character in this show has given me lots of confidence and it will be a great memory that I will never forget. What truly made it special was being able to do this show with my friends. - Zoya