All Schools Matinees
In celebration of our tenth anniversary year between May 2007 and April 2008, Mousetrap has hosted three free schools matinees (that's a tongue-twister we know!). These performances, to Billy Elliot (May 2007), Wicked (October 2007) and The Sound of Music (April 2008) have enabled nearly 6,000 students to visit the theatre - many for the first time.
Wicked Free Schools' Matinee
On Wednesday 31 October 2007, as part of these celebrations, Mousetrap Theatre Projects invited 58 secondary schools - 2,200 pupils and teachers - many of whom have never been to a West End show, to attend a free matinee performance of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.
As it was also Halloween, many students and teachers dressed up as witches, wizards and characters from The Wizard of Oz as part of a fancy dress competition. The afternoon was a resounding success and the standing ovation at the end was deafening! Members of the cast, including Kerry Ellis and Dianne Pilkington took part in an after-show talk, where students had the opportunity to ask questions about the characters and the performing arts industry.
All in all it was a truly memorable experience, and an inspirational day.
There was some great feedback from teachers:
"A huge thank you for a truly "Wicked" afternoon. The students absolutely loved the production and were extremely grateful to have such wondeful seats. I have to say I was absolutely stunned by how brilliantly behaved the schools were, and I am sure that the performers got a great buzz from performing to such a vibrant and appreciative audience."
"On behalf of all the music students who were invited to the performance of "Wicked", we would like to say a big thank you for giving us this fantastic opportunity to see an amazing musical and were truly inspired."
"The students absolutely loved the show and for most of them it was their first visit to a theatre, and what a first experience! I'm sure it is something they will never forget!"
Billy Elliot - The Musical Free Schools' Matinee
Earlier on in the year, to kick off our tenth anniversary celebrations, over 1,500 young people and their teachers saw Billy Elliot - The Musical at a free schools-only event. Groups from 39 different London secondary schools were treated to an electrifying performance, and it was an event we will never forget!
The Billy Elliot - The Musical education pack is available to download here
