In 1964, Cranleigh drama made the national press when it staged West Side Story, a radical move reflecting the changing times and the first amateur production of it in the world. To celebrate 60 years of musical theatre and a decade of its flagship International school in Abu Dhabi, the Schools worked together on the performance.
Eleven pupils from Cranleigh Abu Dhabi joined the cast as dancers, rehearsing separately over two terms and joining rehearsals just two weeks before. It was a fitting collaboration to mark 10 years since Cranleigh Abu Dhabi first opened its doors and to launch Cranleigh UK’s brand new Dance studios which open this term.
Cranleigh’s Head, Martin Reader said: “I’m proud that our Music and Drama departments took on the challenge and the results were outstanding. The dancers from Cranleigh Abu Dhabi performed at an exceptional standard and fitted in so well with our pupils.”
The performance marked the last musical under his headship as he retires in the summer after a decade at Cranleigh which has prioritised the performing arts. Earlier this academic year a group of musicians were treated to an incredible week of performance opportunities culminating in a concert at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
