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On location! Hethersett Academy welcomed in two stars from the theatre world to work with drama students
It has been an exciting term for Hethersett Academy, which had visits to their school from not just one, but TWO stars of the theatre world!
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With the importance of creative arts felt across our entire trust, Hethersett Academy was thrilled to welcome producer Richard Jordan to its school to offer advice to their students looking to pursue a career in the arts.
The visit was even more monumental as Richard once attended Hethersett Academy (then Hethersett High) himself and it is where he discovered his love of theatre through watching performances at our beloved Norwich Theatre Royal before going on to forge his very successful career in theatre. His Londonbased production company, Richard Jordan Productions, has helped him win over 60 awards as a producer, including an Olivier Award, a TONY, and an EMMY.
Richard kindly spoke to the students about his background, education and impressive career before answering any questions the pupils had. Following that, all the students involved in the school’s sell-out production of ‘Sister Act’ were given the opportunity to perform songs and scenes for Richard’s feedback.
And, the opportunity to be reviewed and critiqued by success stars of the stage didn’t stop there. Following Richard’s visit, West End Star Lizzie Bea (who starred as Sister Mary Robert in ‘Sister Act The Musical’) also visited Hethersett Academy to answer questions about her education, her spectacular career, and of course Sister Act, which the students also got to see her perform in ‘Sister Act The Musical’ at Norwich Theatre Royal!
Pupils were also able to perform to Lizzie, gaining her valuable insight and a wealth of advice relating to stage direction and character development.
Lizzie is currently touring the UK in ‘Sister Act The Musical’, and has previously performed in both ‘Heathers’ and ‘Kinky Boots’. In 2021, Lizzie also starred in the West End’s ‘Hair Spray’ as the leading lady, Tracy Turnblad. Lizzie trained at the National Youth Theatre and National Youth Music Theatre and also attended the National Student Drama Festival. Her career includes stage performances in Nick Evans’ ‘Billy Elliot’, ‘The 3 Little Pigs’, ‘Fat Friends The Musical’ and ‘Becoming Nancy’ at the Alliance Theatre.
