SMITHILLS SCHOOL
SUCCESS FOR ALL
WILDFIRE AND SIX
National Theatre Connections
Wildfire Road by Eve Leigh
Smithills School is proudly taking part in this year’s National Theatre Connections programme, an exciting nationwide initiative that invites young people to perform new plays written especially for them by some of the UK’s most dynamic playwrights. The programme aims to nurture creativity, build confidence, and give pupils the unforgettable experience of bringing a professionally commissioned script to life.
This year, our talented cast is performing Wildfire Road by Eve Leigh, a gripping and imaginative play that follows a group of passengers on a plane as they face an extraordinary and mysterious crisis. The story blends suspense, humour, and heart, exploring how people respond when the world around them suddenly changes.
Pupils from Years 8 and 9 have been working tirelessly, planning, devising, and rehearsing, to prepare for their performance at Smithills School on Thursday 19th March, where they will share their hard work with family and friends. Hadley in Year 9 explained that being part of the production has pushed them out of their comfort zone and helped them grow in confidence. Amber in Year 8 shared how exciting it has been to watch the story come alive through everyone’s ideas. Jamie in Year 9 reflected on how much fun the process has been and how many new friendships have formed along the way. Lacey in Year 9 expressed her pride in the company’s progress and how special it feels to be part of a nationwide project. Excitedly, pupils now go on to perform this piece on a professional stage in Manchester. On Monday 20th April, they will take their production to the prestigious theatre, HOME Manchester, where they will have the remarkable opportunity to perform in a fully equipped, professional environment. Throughout the day, pupils will work closely with theatre practitioners and technical staff, gaining first-hand experience of how a professional production is brought to life. It promises to be an inspiring and unforgettable milestone in their performing arts journey.
Mr Milthorpe, Head of Faculty for Performing Arts and PE, praised the cast’s dedication and highlighted how invaluable family support has been throughout the rehearsal process. He noted that the encouragement pupils receive at home plays a huge role in their success and helps them thrive creatively. He added that the school is incredibly proud of the commitment shown by every member of the company.
IMAGE GALLERY
Six: The Musical – Teen Edition
Smithills School is delighted to have been granted the licensing opportunity to perform the internationally acclaimed Six: The Musical – Teen Edition. This vibrant, empowering musical reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as pop icons, each telling her story through high-energy songs, bold choreography, and a powerful message of reclaiming one’s voice.
Our wonderful pupils from Years 7 to 11 have been rehearsing with passion, commitment, and infectious enthusiasm. From vocal rehearsals to choreography to capturing the iconic “Queendom” attitude, the cast has embraced every challenge with professionalism and joy. Dior, a Year 11 pupil, described the show as empowering and said performing it makes them feel strong and confident. Heidi in Year 7 shared how welcoming the cast has been and how much she has learned as one of the youngest performers. Maisey in Year 9 expressed how much she loves the music and how rehearsals have become one of the highlights of her school experience.
Mr Milthorpe, Head of Faculty for Performing Arts and PE, commented that Six: Teen Edition is the perfect show for young performers, offering bold storytelling and countless opportunities for pupils to shine. He added that the school is thrilled to bring such a dynamic and empowering production to the Smithills stage.
