Students have worked flat out to re-stage the very popular and successful 'Moss High Musical' re-kindling that touch of star quality which touched Moss Side two years ago.

The sell-out show was staged at the John Thaw Studio Theatre at the University of Manchester and ran for three consecutive nights and two matinee performances.

Set in the fictional Moss High School, the musical imitates the story of Manchester Academy and is a real celebration of just how far the academy, which has been graded outstanding by Ofsted has come since it opened in 2004.

The musical starts off seven years ago (the very time Manchester Academy took over a school that was at the bottom of all performance tables) with a rendition of Pink Floyd’s ‘Another Brick in the Wall’. The feeling of hopelessness and disaffection is palpable. Just as palpable, however is the determination of the Head Teacher played by Shamyra Abbott, a Year 10 student who struts on to the stage to deliver the exact same words that our very own Mrs August used seven years ago: ‘No excuses!’

The musical, written and directed by the talented Mrs Langley tells how one girl’s dream and one woman’s determination to make it happen, inspire a whole school to work together to achieve their ambitions. This musical is sad, clever and witty but above all, it sends a very clear message: with hard work and a lot of guts things can get done, things can change.

The musical ends with a wonderful performance of Abba’s ‘I have a dream’ and this time the stuff of dreams really does come true. The performance is professional and slick. It hits hard and the audience is literally, as Sir Elton John’s song goes 'Still Standing' as the final lights go down. This may be in Moss Side but it’s West End material. Shamyra Abbot the leading lady said, “The experience of working in a real theatre will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am more determined than ever to become a professional actress.”

By Katie Alford
Marketing and Publicity Officer
Manchester Academy