September 2024 

Dear Parents, Carers and Pupils, 

After the success of last year's musical Wizard of OZ, we are delighted to share the news of our 2025 musical performance of ‘Sherlock & Cinders’. 

Many of you will already be familiar with the benefits of being involved with musical productions, these experiences enrich the lives of our pupils alongside developing key skills, including:  

• Teamwork and collaboration 

• Commitment and belonging 

• Resilience and growth 

• Confidence and curiosity 

• Memory development 

• Strengthening lifelong friendships.  

Join the brilliant Sherlock Holmes and the bumbling Doctor Watson as they conduct their most challenging investigation yet- a missing person's case, with an unknown missing person. Disguised respectively as a duke and a female cook, Holmes and Watson set about finding the beautiful, mysterious lady who fled the prince's ballroom. But with only a glass slipper, a dead mouse and a piece of pumpkin to go on, even Sherlock starts to wonder whether they have bitten off more than they can chew! 

We are looking to recruit a cast of actors, singers and dancers, alongside backstage roles. Including, but not limited to, lighting/sound operation, backstage crew, props and costumes.   

Rehearsals Period:  

• November-January: Once a week, Tuesday 3:00-5:00pm 

• January- March: Twice per week Tuesday & Wednesday 3:00-5:00pm  

An initial rehearsal schedule will be given prior to rehearsals starting, which we aim to stick to as much as possible. However, changes may need to be made throughout if certain songs/scenes require more/less rehearsal. During the initial stages, and depending on your child’s role, they will not be required for all rehearsals and will need to check which dates and days they will be needed. Closer to the performance dates all cast and crew will be required. 

Rehearsal notices and information will be shared via the Witton Warbler every Friday. Please read through the Warbler each week to stay informed.  

Dates to remember: 

Tuesday 21st January: Scripts down (including songs and dances). 

Wednesday 12th March till 5.00pm: Technical rehearsal. 
Friday 14th March: Dress Rehearsal, after school till 4.00pm, all pupils expected. 

Monday 17th March: Performance to first schools, during school day. 

Show Week: 18th, 19th & 20th (Evening Performance) 6.00pm. (Call time 5.00 - 5.15pm). 

Auditions/Workshop Sessions:  

This year we have changed the audition process, all pupils will be required to partake in the audition workshops (unless they wish to be involved with backstage, where they will write a short explanation why they should be involved backstage within the sign-up form).  

Session 1: Read through, sing through. 8th October 3.00pm - 4.00pm 
Session 2: 15th October 3.00pm- 4.00pm *Individual auditions  

Session 3: 22nd October 3.00pm - 4.00 pm *Individual auditions  

Your child will be given an afterschool slot to show off their skills. 

• Your child will be asked to sing one of the audition songs (depending on which character they wish to audition for).  

• Your child will need to perform one of the audition scenes, this can be learnt off by heart or they may use the script. * These scripts will be available during our workshop sessions.  

If your child would like to be involved backstage or onstage, please complete the audition form (below), the deadline for applications to be considered is 4:30 pm, Thursday 3rd October 2023. *To give time to create an audition schedule and register.  

Audition Form: https://forms.office.com/e/5Ai8SefhAL  

• To be involved in the production all onstage performers will be asked to pay a non-refundable fee of £10 which will be payable via Parent Pay once roles have been cast. 

Consent: 

By completing the audition form and if your child is successful you are agreeing to the following.   

• Your child’s full commitment to the show.   

• Your child attending all required rehearsals.   

• Your child learning all lines, songs and dances off by heart.   

• Media and photography to be used to promote the musical. (Names will not be used alongside photos/videos).  

• Child's name to be in the programme 

• Rehearsal videos to be recorded and uploaded to the Witton Website to support dance rehearsals at home.  

• Attendance during the performances (evenings)  

• Depending on character, organise simple costume(s).  

• Stay up to date and complete all schoolwork.  

Kind Regards 

Mrs Savage