Prep pupils at Rydal Penrhos School took to the Prep Hall stage one last time as ‘The Lion King Jr’ proved a roaring success.

Rydal Penrhos has a long and proud history of drama and the last few years have been no exception to this, with several fantastic productions gracing the stage. From Prep’s ‘Paws and Claws’ and ‘Mystery at Magpie Manor’ to Senior School’s ‘Grease’ and ‘Matilda the Musical Jr,’ our latest Prep production had a high bar to surpass.

Thankfully, the Prep School’s production of ‘The Lion King Jr’ proved an extraordinary success, captivating audiences across three vibrant performances from Wednesday 19 to Thursday 20 June. The enthusiasm and talent displayed by our pupils brought this beloved story to life in a truly unforgettable way.

Among the many standout performances, Rose Robbins and Max Kaluza shone as Young Simba and Simba, capturing the essence of the character with remarkable skill. Proving a similarly successful double-act, Layko Driver and Sophia Lord-Langton delivered impressive turns as Nala and Young Nala, respectively.

Head of School Svaksh Singam delivered a powerful performance as Mufasa, the revered leader of the pride, bringing both strength and warmth to the role. Adhira Nimalan as Rafiki and Hannah Pittaway as Zazu dazzled not only with their acting prowess but also with their colourful and vibrant costumes, which added an extra layer of magic to their characters.

The comedic talents of Lily Robbins and Holly Hogan as Pumbaa and Timon were a highlight of the show. The talented pair brought impeccable comedic timing and positivity to their roles, in sharp contrast to the intense, malevolent tone captured by Muhammad Maqsood as the story’s infamous villain, Scar.

The contributions of our younger pupils were equally noteworthy. Year 3 pupils brought the Grasslands to life with dynamic and coordinated movements, while Year 4 depicted the Wildebeests with some energetic performances. The Year 5 boys convincingly played Scar’s devious allies, the Hyenas, and the Year 5 girls embodied the strength and grace of the Lionesses.

This production of ‘The Lion King Jr’ was particularly special as it marked the final Prep play in the Prep Hall before our historic one-siting of the school in September. It was a fitting and memorable conclusion to an era, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for their dedication and hard work.

Well done to all our talented pupils, staff, parents and carers who made this production an outstanding success!