Yr 8 Religious Studies trip to see The Fiddler on the Roof 

The Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society returned to the Theatre Royal stage recently with their production of Fiddler on the Roof.  A group of Year 8 children from Town Close went along to see the show.  Our trip was even more exciting as one of our very own Year 8s, Emelia, was treading the boards playing the part of Shprintze.

Before making our way to our seats we all went to Pizza Express in The Forum for supper, which was very tasty!  Once in the theatre we were treated to an excellent show.  The cast were in strong voice and really brought the show to life.

Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Parker and Mrs. Malone who accompanied the children on the trip.



An interview with Emelia who played Shprintze

What was the best thing about playing the part of Shprintze?  It was really fun because I got to meet loads of nice people and I learnt lots about acting from them.

Tell me about Shprintze and the musical generally.  She is a little Jewish girl who has four sisters.  She lives with her parents and sisters.  She helps her parents doing jobs around the house.  Her Dad is a milkman.  The musical is about the older daughters getting married.  However, the daughters want to marry their choice of husbands rather than ones recommended by the matchmaker.  It is all about tradition.  The families all have to leave their village because the Russians drive them away.

Have you been in any performances before?  Yes.  I have been in a musical at school, Cindy.  In Dereham Operatic Society Youth Theatre Company I have been in Beauty and the Beast and The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.  I have also been in the pantomime Cinderella.  I am now rehearsing for the musical Oliver where I play the rose seller.

When did you start rehearsing for Fiddler on the Roof?  I think we started back in November last year.

Your Mum was also your onstage Mum.  What was that like?  It was nice playing her daughter.  I have watched her in lots of shows so it was fun being with her on stage.

What’s it like backstage at the Theatre Royal?  It’s not as nice as you’d think!  However, we had quite a big dressing room with lights around the mirror.  I had to share this with another actress.

Would you like to be a professional actress?  I enjoy acting but I like it as a hobby.



Mr. S. B. Coulthart

Head of Religious Studies