Bury Grammar School was nominated and then invited to perform at the National Theatre Awards, on the West End Stage!

What are the National Theatre Awards? 

The Ministry of School Arts® present the National School Theatre Awards® a prestigious ceremony dedicated to honouring outstanding school productions. The awards, affectionately referred to as ‘the Oscars for schools’, celebrate talent and acknowledge the dedication behind these productions, highlighting the hard work invested in them. This platform provides pupils with a unique opportunity to showcase their skills and gain recognition from industry professionals. Categories cover a range of disciplines, including acting, dance, singing, and design from schools across the world. 

What were Bury Grammar School nominated for?  

We were nominated for: 

• Best Musical,  
• Best Ensemble, and  
• Scarlett and Abby were both nominated for Best Lead Actress in a Musical 

and BGS was one of only 15 schools selected to perform. 

Rocco (Year 12) played Grandpa Jo and Mr Beauregarde explained, 

“To travel down to London and perform on a West End stage was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will be forever grateful for, and being able to perform with our incredible Charlie and the Chocolate Factory cast once again is something I will never forget”. 

The experience 

The day itself was action-packed, beginning with a 5am coach journey and a lunchtime arrival at the theatre for a full technical rehearsal. Our cast experienced what it’s like to perform on a professional stage, working with lighting and microphones and the professional Stage Management Team at the Gillian Lyne Theatre. We met some of the other schools performing as they arrived and there was a real excitement and buzz amongst all the young people as they rehearsed and worked on costumes in the halls of the theatre. We then had a quick break to explore Covent Garden before returning to the theatre to get in our ‘glitz and glamour’ outfits to walk the red carpet. We had to quickly change into costume ahead of the evening’s Awards Show, where BGS were the third school to perform. 

Their performance of ‘It Must be Believed to be Seen’ was truly outstanding — met with cheers, whoops, and a huge round of applause from the audience. Whilst we didn’t return with a specific award, our pupils left feeling like winners, having shared the stage with some of the best school productions in the country and representing their school with pride. 

Head of Drama at BGS, Mrs Charlesworth, told us, 

I couldn’t be prouder of our pupils and everything they have achieved not just National School Theatre Awards but across the whole year through countless rehearsals and their original performances in December last year. They represented our school and the wider cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with exceptional talent, maturity, and team spirit. Not only did they deliver a fantastic performance on stage, but they also supported their peers with genuine enthusiasm throughout a long and demanding day. It was truly inspiring to see such a joyful celebration of the arts, and we’re already excited to begin work on next year’s production of ‘Sister Act’." 

Scarlett (Year 12) who played Willy Wonka said, 

“Performing on the West End stage was an amazing experience. Being backstage was nerve wracking, but performing in front of thousands of people was truly a dream come true. The applause at the end of our performance was incredible and made all the rehearsals and stress worth it. It was such a great day with the best cast.  

I would just like to say on behalf of everyone involved, a huge ‘Thank You’ to Mrs Charlesworth, Miss Taberham and Miss Price for making all of this possible.” 

Click this link to watch: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Cast perform live on the West End Stage! 

Congratulations to everyone involved in this wonderful achievement!