April 2010 – THE SHOW spectacular
After months of planning, the day of THE SHOW has arrived. The organisation has been a 
real partnership between Davison CE High School for Girls and the University of Brighton. Harriet Goss, Sarah Binney and Naomi Higgins, staff from Davison, have worked incredibly hard and been so enthusiastic and I am very grateful to Della West, the head of Davison, who has been so very supportive of the whole project.
Richard Wallis (University of Brighton) has worked tirelessly as chair of directors. He has experience of producing a number of SHOWS and he leads the team magnificently – he knows the venue well and anticipates so brilliantly. Tutors at the University of Brighton have also been very involved in the organisation and Jackie Hannay, Bhav Prajapat, Hilary Westlake and Lucy Pocknell have made a big contribution. We are joined by Philippa Bandurek who works on publicity material and Ali Stephens who organises amazing raffle prizes.
Its show time!
It’s Saturday 24th April, the day of THE SHOW!! We all meet at the Assembly Hall in Worthing at 8.00 am and are joined by 60 students from the University of Brighton who are to help set up, steward, assist schools with supervision and sell programmes and raffle tickets. The performers come at pre-arranged times throughout the day to rehearse their items and there is a real exciting buzz. Due to the detailed pre-planning, led by Richard and Harriet, the day goes like clockwork.
The audience starts to arrive and there is a wonderful atmosphere. Drumming both inside and outside the venue herald the start of the SHOW as the Mayor of Worthing and Honoured guests take their seats!
Perfect performances from students and staff
Davison High School begin the proceedings with an incredible version of the song ‘Run’ and we are then treated to some traditional and contemporary dancing from the Nepali students who live at the Pestalozzi Home near Battle. The evening is brilliantly and very professionally compared by Kevin Matthews, a third year student at the University of Brighton. Next up is Goring First School who sing three beautiful songs for us and they are followed by Bramber First School who perform the lively and enchanting ‘April Showers’. Oak Grove School present some moving, excellent pieces from West Side Story and the choir and drum group from Field Place School give us a very exciting performance. They are joined by some teachers as well!! Next the Dance Crew from Glendale Theatre Arts School present a super, popular item entitled ‘Music Makes You Lose Control’.
Musical talent
The Littlehampton Steel Band play their hearts out at various times during the evening – the talented musicians producing a mighty ‘wall of sound’. Downsbrook Middle School has formed a singing group especially for the occasion and their jazzy, catchy item is super. Durrington High School perform a creative, interesting piece choreographed by the students involved and the choir from Thomas A Beckett Middle School sing some favourite songs and they really get the audience’s feet tapping. The final act is Acromax Gymnastics Performance Group who really captivate us all with their skill, vibrancy and creativity.
Whilst some students from Davison sing a personal arrangement of ‘Over the Rainbow’ the performers all return to the stage to sing THE SHOW anthem and the youngsters receive a standing ovation from a very appreciative audience.
Hand made crafts from Mauritius
THE SHOW went ‘international’ when students and their families from Mauritius made some beautiful handicrafts for us to sell on the evening. A very touching thought that the Mauritian students who are distance learning with the University of Brighton could be so very caring and thoughtful and it was wonderful to have them involved. Many thanks to them for their delightful contributions.
Thanks from the mayor
The Mayor of Worthing, Councillor Lt Commander Noel Atkins gives the vote of thanks and he is joined by Della West from Davison and Lorraine Harrison from the University of Brighton who also show their appreciation.
A huge success
The evening is an incredible success. Everyone has worked so well together and the University student helpers from both the School of Education and Chelsea School are magnificent. Over £7,500 is raised for Malagiri through ticket sales, T shirt purchases, programmes and bucket collections. Two huge donations – £1605 from Davison and £938 from Acromax really helps the fund raising. About £1,000 is made from the sale of T Shirts and we are very grateful to the management of PLAY who allow the performers to use their facilities free of charge whilst waiting to perform.
Thanks so much to all youngsters and colleagues for making the evening such a wonderful success.