Amandla has previously visited the academy to talk to the Year 10 drama class about her journey to the stage and her hopes for her future career. She also explained to the pupils about her role as a ‘Swing’ and how she plays different roles on different nights. The pupils are looking forward to her visiting again soon.

The show is a joy to watch and a non-stop roller-coaster of emotions. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the music and gave a standing ovation to the cast at the end of the evening.

One pupil, also a GCSE History student, said: “It was really powerful seeing the connections between the music, the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War that we have studied as part of the course.”

Another said: “I really enjoyed the show and it was great seeing someone on stage that we have previously met. My dream is to perform in the West End and I know that it can become a reality.”

Di Johnson, Assistant Headteacher, said: “It is always brilliant bringing the pupils to the theatre and letting them experience the pleasure of watching a live performance. As always, they were a credit to the academy and conducted themselves superbly throughout the evening. It is a bonus that one of our past A* GCSE Drama students and star of many of our productions was part of the show as the pupils can see how anything is possible if you are committed and work hard enough.”