Junior School Production: A Celebration of Individuality

Quoted by Elizabeth Ennis
Deputy Head of Primary (Junior School)

Last Thursday evening, the Dulwich community witnessed a truly captivating performance by our Junior School students as they brought to life the heartwarming tale of "Honk Jr!" This delightful musical celebrated the beauty of embracing one's uniqueness, leaving the audience spellbound. As Ugly embarked on his adventure, he encountered a vibrant flock of unique characters, each one embracing their individuality with pride. The talented cast from across the Junior School brought these quirky personalities to life, reminding us that our differences are what make us truly special.

Aidan delivered a remarkable performance as Ugly, the endearing duckling who stood out from his siblings with his distinct appearance. Despite the initial ridicule from the other farm animals, Aidan's portrayal of Ugly's journey of self-discovery was both poignant and uplifting.

 Zoe T (Year 6) shone as Ugly's protective mother, Ida, her powerful performance capturing the unwavering love and support that every child deserves. 

Emily commanded the stage with her villainous portrayal of the hungry Cat, adding an element of suspense and drama to the production. Her captivating performance kept the audience on the edge of their seats, rooting for Ugly's triumph over adversity. 

Maia W in the role of Drake, Ugly’s father, brought humour and charisma to the show, bringing great contrast to Ida’s character. 

Tilda, as the ex-army commander, Greylag, and Zoe T (Year 5) as Dot, delighted audiences with their charm and engaging back-and-forth dynamic as they worked together to support Ugly on his journey back to the duck yard. 

Finally, Michelle, the loveable Bullfrog, left audiences in stitches at her jokes and self-deprecation, helping Ugly to see that it is what is on the inside that counts.

This celebration of being different was a testament to the hard work and passion of our dedicated Junior School teachers. The production's spectacular staging and sensational singing created an immersive experience for the audience. It was a night filled with laughter, tears, and a profound message that will resonate with all who witnessed this remarkable production.

Being part of the casts of the Production was tricky at first because we worked on small parts and it didn't make sense. Then we did a full run through and I became really excited. Although I was nervous singing and acting on stage, I really had fun and loved it.

—— Jaimie L

I had never been on stage before so was very nervous and didn't really want to have a part. But after trying it out, I really enjoyed it and felt confident. My favourite part was holding Aidan up at the end of A Poultry Tale.

—— Adam A

Being part of the production was fun. I had the opportunity to interact with other characters, even though I had to learn lines and songs for the audition and then for the production, I loved it all. It was just fun! 

—— Serena W

'Honk Jr!' was not just a performance but a testament to the collaborative spirit of Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi. The support from teachers, parents, and peers played a crucial role in making this production a resounding success. It highlighted our students' remarkable talents in drama and performance, showcasing their dedication, creativity, and ability to work together as a community.