Our incredible Prep School pupils transported audiences into the wonderful world of Charlie Mackesy during our Prep School Christmas Production of The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse.
Inspired by the beloved books and animated series, this enchanting musical take on a story of friendship, courage, hope, and self-discovery was brought to life by our fantastic cast, alongside our amazing woodwind ensemble.
Performed by pupils in Year 3, 4 and 5, the production captured the heartfelt essence of Mackesy’s story.
Cameron T (Year 5) played the ‘Boy’, portraying a real sense of a young soul searching for meaning in a vast and sometimes confusing world.
Charlie P (Year 5) as the ‘Mole’ brought warmth and humour to the stage, with a performance of endearing charm.
The ‘Fox’, played by Harry A (Year 5), was both dignified and honest – demonstrating how the character changes through a single act of kindness.
Rose W’s (Year 5) portrayal of the ‘Horse’ showcased a graceful presence, providing calm reassurance and steadfastness for those around her.
Meanwhile, our many woodland creatures in Year 4 and 5 bought Mackesy’s magical world to life, with wonderful choral singing, contemporary dance, poignant storytelling and poetic narration.
A special mention to all performers in the smaller roles who brought their characters to life with flair and individuality: CJ M (Year 5) as the ‘Robin’, Evelyn H-D (Year 5) as the ‘Red Squirrel’, Rollo L (Year 5) as the ‘Snowy Owl’, Elizabeth P (Year 5) as the ‘Worm’, Anais O (Year 5) as the ‘Snail’, Jess L (Year 4) as the ‘Raven’ and Cecily C (Year 4) as the ‘Spider’.
Year 3 represented the transformative elements of nature – including snow, storms and stars – with their physical theatre solos and group performances.
The music, under the brilliant direction of Prep School Head of Music, Kathryn Lines, featured Deputy Head Dan Jones on drums, alongside our pupil woodwind ensemble; Louis R (Year 8), Gladys T-L (Year 7) and Emilia A (Year 8).
A huge well done to our pupil tech team, Amelia T (Year 8), Florence M (Year 8), Millie M (Year 8) and Tilly P (Year 7) and our Theatre Technician Steph Coxall for their amazing lighting and sound work to ensure every scene transitioned seamlessly, and to our Assistant Housemaster, Kieran Wilson, alongside Theatre Technician, Tom Howard, for their incredible set design.
A special thanks to Head of Drama and director, Victoria Charles-Saker, for creating such a wonderful show. Most noticeably, this was a production about kindness told by our pupils who believe in its transformative power. Mackesy’s imagery already adorns the walls of Framlingham College Prep School, and its messaging is deep routed in our culture. To have that visually represented before us, and spoken by our children, was a truly magical experience for all.
