January 2025 saw the much-anticipated return of BOST Musicals to the Liverpool Empire Theatre with their spectacular production of Annie—and South Wirral students played a special role both on and off stage.
Amongst the talented cast was Year 9 student Imogen Downes, who successfully secured a role as an orphan after an intense audition process that saw over 250 hopefuls vying for a spot. Imogen had previously wowed audiences in our school production of Annie in June 2024, playing the lead role, and her experience and dedication clearly shone through in her audition.
Juggling demanding rehearsals, her commitments at Fusion Dance Studios, and her schoolwork, Imogen demonstrated incredible determination and organisation to make the most of this opportunity. Her passion and resilience paid off, and she described the experience as truly unforgettable:
“It was the best experience because I was working with so many extraordinary people who were really talented. My favourite part about the process was watching everything come together in such a short amount of time. This experience I’ll never forget, and I look forward to future auditions.”
It wasn’t just on stage that South Wirral talent was making a mark—Imogen Carrington, also in Year 9, played an essential backstage role working with the company ‘Happy Pets, Happy Tails’, run by Matt Harvey. As part of the team responsible for the show’s four-legged stars, Imogen helped care for the dogs playing Sandy and those appearing in the dog catcher scene.
Reflecting on her experience, Imogen said:
“I think it was fun behind the scenes because I got to experience things I wouldn’t ordinarily see if I was in the audience. My favourite part was being side of stage with the different dogs as I could see the live action. This experience has made me want to pursue something in the performance industry.”
Her enthusiasm and dedication backstage were vital in ensuring the smooth running of the show, and we are incredibly proud of her contribution.
It’s fantastic to see our students seizing real-world performance opportunities, whether centre stage or behind the scenes. Their involvement in a high-profile production like Annie at the Liverpool Empire is a testament to their talent, commitment, and passion for the arts.
We look forward to seeing where their journeys take them next—well done, Imogen & Imogen!
