Our Lady and St Patrick's pupils take a step back in time

Jun 26 2009 by Tina Kemp, Lennox Herald (main ed)

EIGHTIES mania hit a Dumbarton school recently when staff and pupils stepped back in time for their end of term show.

The success of musical Back to the Eighties, which ran over four nights, left many at Our Lady and St Patrick’s High in a time warp.

Around 70 pupils were involved in the colourful production, based on the musical Grease.

And many more entered into the spirit of the era organising the sale of 80s merchandise in the foyer.

Music teacher Rosanna Elliott, who helped with the production, said: “The great thing about the show was that there are about 16 principal parts so we could get a lot of pupils involved. There was also a junior and senior chorus, so there was something for everyone to do.”

Clydebank Musical Society provided some of the costumes and props, while others were made by the school’s home economics department, and cast members also sourced their own.

“The costumes were fantastic and so was the response of the audience,” said Rosanna. “Some people returned after the first night for the next three performances.”

And the show also really caught on around the school as pupils got the 80s bug.

Rosanna said: “Everyone was walking about the corridors with Dancing on the Ceiling playing!”

Show goers had the chance to buy 80s toys including Rubik’s Cubes, slinkies and glo sticks. There was also an opportunity to get a face and nails makeover 80s style.

“Everyone pitched in and so many people were interested in helping,” said Rosanna. “It was fantastic.”