20 acts consisting of 73 Bedales students, from Blocks 3 (year 9) to 6.2 (upper sixth) have performed 36 songs at their annual Rock Show to a sold out audience of students, friends, parents and teachers in the school’s Olivier Theatre over two evenings.
Each year the Rock Show, which also includes choirs, string orchestras, brass and percussion sections, develops a new level of professionalism and originality, not only through the increasingly flamboyant costumes, distinctive lighting designs and daring song choices, but also with the collective feeling of optimism and solidarity shared by everyone involved.
Incredible debuts by Rosheen Bond (Block 4), Delilah Montagu (Block 3) and Josie Blakelock (Block 5) as well as phenomenal performances from departing 6.2s Becca Wilson and Georgie Wadstein made this a truly special night.
The Rock Show "Pit Crew" of Block 5s Jasper Ford Welman and Will Reynolds and Zak Hobbs (6.1) kept the show running like clockwork whilst also performing to the highest possible standard. Established performers Lucy Waterhouse (6.1), Georgie Deane (Block 5) and George Eve (6.2) with The Grooves added further chapters to their already illustrious Rock Show careers and Freddy Sheed (6.2) proved his immense skill once again on drums.
Keith Budge, Headmaster Bedales Schools, commented:
“The Rock Show is testimony to admirable teamwork, inspired teaching and painstaking, professional preparation and, of course, sheer talent across the traditions. Although it is great to hear strong renditions of current and old favourites, it is above all the pieces that our own talented song-writers have composed that are the most spell-binding and help make the Rock Show a wonderful testament to student creative drive.”