Wirral students deliver spellbinding performance of The Addams Family

Students from St John Plessington Catholic College recently took to the Gladstone Theatre stage, Port Sunlight, to perform a spooky and comical ‘boy meets girl’ adaptation of The Addams Family. 

A tale of love, acceptance and friendship, the production had something for everyone. The unique story was told by a cast and team of 80 students, including actors, dancers, musicians, and backstage crew. 

Students from across all year groups took to the professional stage at the Gladstone Theatre and delivered a performance that left the audience wanting more. Laughter, cheering and applause echoed throughout the theatre walls.  

The packed-out audience consisted of St John Plessington students, staff members, and the wider community, with a total of 400 attendees each night across two shows. 

St John Plessington enlisted the help of Church Drive Primary School, who performed a fantastic retro dance routine at the start of the second act. 

Collaborative partnerships with feeder primary schools help the college foster friendship bonds and establish strong community connections beyond the St John Plessington walls.

Students from St John Plessington collaborated with staff from across different departments throughout every part of the process, including choreography, stage crew planning, and other important elements of the production. Students were able to gain valuable insight into the world of theatre and learn new, transferrable skills.  

The technical team at the Gladstone Theatre were also on hand to offer their invaluable tech skills and support. They worked tirelessly with staff and students, and their outstanding contribution was greatly appreciated by St John Plessington. 

Head of performing arts at St John Plessington, Sam Stevenson, was incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by everyone involved. She said: “It was so wonderful to see our performing arts family working as a community to produce such an outstanding show. 

“We want to develop the creative leaders of the future by providing them with as many opportunities as possible, and it was so fantastic to see our students rise to the challenge and deliver such incredible performances.” 

Annabelle Hughes Ikpoh, who took on the role of Morticia Addams, shared how delighted  she was to perform alongside her castmates. She said: “It was an honour to perform on the Gladstone Theatre stage in my final year of school, and I will forever miss the amazing cast I worked with.

“Doing the show in a week was challenging but a truly gratifying experience I’ll never forget. Being part of the performing arts and music department at St John Plessington has helped me pave the way for my future.”

Amy Armstrong, who played Alice Beineke, said: “Performing in this show is an experience I’ll hold onto for the rest of my life. Taking part has shaped me as a person and allowed me to have the confidence to be on stage. I have so much gratitude for the teachers who have helped me with this opportunity, making me find a home in drama and on stage.” 

Headteacher at St John Plessington Catholic College, Mr Peadar McLoughlin, commented: “From everyone at St John Plessington, we would like to congratulate the cast, crew and staff for producing such an incredible show. 

“Our school’s mission is to empower an inclusive community founded on Gospel values. It has been fantastic to witness the incredible work in partnership with the wider school community, the Gladstone Theatre and Church Drive Primary School to create something amazing. 

Mr McLoughlin added: “It is important that our students have access to opportunities beyond the school’s walls that help them to develop new skills, grow in confidence, build connections and have new experiences.”

The full performance of The Addams Family is now available to watch on St John Plessington’s YouTube channel here.