Danny and Ffion reflect on memorable two-night production

March 24, 2022

Danny, 17, and Ffion, 16, were two of the four outstanding vocalists in Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools’ two-night Songs for a New World production at The Blake Theatre.
Songs for a New World is a challenging work of musical theatre written and composed by three-time Tony award winner Jason Robert Brown.
Mr Simon Riordan, Director in Residence of Co-curricular Productions at Monmouth School for Girls, had promised a memorable show, and all four singers dazzled.
Danny, who made his stage debut, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my role, especially as I didn’t have to sing too high!
“It was my first time singing in front of an audience and, although it was terrifying, it was also thrilling.
“Our rehearsals were fun and it was such a pleasure to see the performance coming together, especially in the month before the shows.
“Online concerts allow for you to do a perfect rendition and have no nerves, but to have an audience sharing the experience was truly special.”
Danny, from Year 13, added: “The rush of performing in front of a crowd is addictive and I am itching to do more.
“Although I have no immediate plans, I would absolutely love to be involved in another production in the future.”
Ffion said: “I absolutely adored playing my role in the production. It was such a brilliant experience to get back into musical theatre and to experience what a full rehearsal process in a lead role felt like; it was something that I am extremely grateful to have experienced.
“Being back on stage for a live performance was lovely, especially after the pandemic. To be able to bring live theatre back to life was great because live performances are always a lot of fun.
“I would like to do more performances after Songs for a New World.”
Ffion, from Year 12, added: “Doing the production reminded me how much I love being on stage and performing, so I hope to do more productions like this in the future.
“I am currently preparing for next week’s Wyastone Concert which is set to be a fantastic night of singing and I am also looking forward to doing tea concerts and performances after Easter.”