Laurelhill Community College has a strong tradition of music, dance and drama, the annual public performance being one of its highlights. On several occasions Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has celebrated the success of the young people at Laurelhill by awarding the college the prize for the best musical theatre production.
In December 2023 Laurelhill Community College staged its 43rd annual musical theatre production – “Annie.” There were over 80 pupils involved in this year’s production and it was a fantastic showcase for the talent here at Laurelhill. The cast received a standing ovation on the final night. Well done!
Laurelhill opened its doors in 1974 and in 1977 Mrs Anne Geddes was appointed as an English teacher, primarily focusing on pupils with Special Educational Needs. Being involved with Lisnagarvey Operatic Society Mrs Geddes was keen to bring Drama to the pupils of Laurelhill and after a few ‘in house’ performances, including Cinderella, the first Laurelhill school show took place in February 1979 with a production of ‘Tom Sawyer.’
In the early days of Drama at Laurelhill there were varied performances during ‘English Night’ and Sixth form plays such as ‘Twentieth Century Lullaby.’ In the early 1980’s Drama was introduced to the curriculum with pupils working towards their CSE which became GCSE in 1986. There are many past pupils who have fond memories of their Drama experiences at Laurelhill and many have progressed to University to study Dance, Musical Theatre, Acting, Stage Design, Lighting design, Sound and Teaching.
Mrs Anne Geddes and her colleagues in the English Department brought Drama to Laurelhill and every year a pupil is awarded, ‘The Anne Geddes Cup’ for their outstanding contribution to Drama at Laurelhill.
Since the first dramatic performance of Tom Sawyer in 1979 the tradition of the annual production has went from strength to strength.
Here are some of our show successes throughout the years..
Island Arts Centre – Annual Schools’ Art Competition -Secondary School Drama Prize
2003 – Grease 2nd prize
2004 – Back to the 80’s 1st prize
2005 – Calamity Jane 1st prize
2006 – Oliver! 3rd prize
2007 – High School Musical Joint 1st prize
2008 – The Boyfriend 2nd prize
2009 – High School Musical 2 1st prize
2010 – Oklahoma Joint 3rd prize
2011 – Footloose 1st prize
2012 – Camp Rock 2nd prize
2013 – Grease 1st prize
2014 – Back to the 80’s 2nd prize
2016 – Oliver! 1st prize
2017 – Hairspray 2nd prize
2018 – Little Shop of Horrors 1st prize 2022 – Footloose 1st prize 2023 – Annie
Our hard work was rewarded in June 2022 when we won 1st prize in the Secondary School Drama category for our production of “Footloose.” The cast, crew and staff were very proud to receive the award. Congratulations to everyone who was involved!
We look forward to many more successful shows
