  Kelso High School have two avenues for drama: the Drama Club which is organised and run by senior students, and the school show which is a musical production produced by staff with senior student input. The school show has been reinstated after a hiatus of a few years.
Both groups have a cross over of students who take part in both productions. Both groups endeavour to
encourage as wide a student group from S1 - S6 as possible to participate.
 The classic fifties musical Grease was brought vividly to life recently by a handful of pupils at Kelso High School. From 29th March to 1st April 2004, the cast stunned full-house audiences with their renditions of classic songs and favourite one-liners.
Produced and directed by Joan Fraser and sixth year pupil Claire Askew, the show was hugely popular and tickets were sold out just a few days after going on sale.
Altogether more than one hundred pupils, parents and members of staff were involved in bringing the musical - Kelso High's first in nearly five years - to the stage. You can see the photographs here.
 The
Boyfriend, produced and directed by Joan Fraser, was performed from 22nd to 24th March 2005. This comical
show mimicked the classic 1920’s
musicals and kept everyone entertained from start to finish.
Set in Nice, Madame Dubonnet’s (Eilidh Veitch) Villa Caprice
finishing school is the backdrop for the story of a millionaire’s
daughter, named Polly Brown (Mairi Reynolds), who is denied the
joy of a boyfriend by her suspicious father (Adam Stevenson). However,
Polly is soon found spinning a story to a certain messenger boy
(Jamie Young) who is not so innocent himself.
Throughout the show
Reynolds flaunted her impressive voice while harmonizing with the
equally talented Young. Hayley Peace as Hortense,
a French maid at the boarding school, kept the plot moving and
the audience laughing with her condescending comments and quick
wit. Lord and Lady Brockhurst, played by Helen Askew and Laura
Colebrook respectively, provided some light relief from the grief
of teenage romance. Askew perfected the role of a flirtatious,
yet mature, member of the aristocracy and Colebrook complemented
this memorably.
The unexpected luminary of the show came in the
form of third year Adam Stevenson as Polly’s father, Percieval
Brown. Exaggerated facial expressions and fantastic characterisation
ensured he won
the affection of many a female in the audience.
The technical aspects
of the show matched the high quality of the talented cast. The
vibrant and colourful costumes were both
extensive and accurate to the time period and complemented the
elaborate choreography superbly.
Another accurate aspect adding to the spectacle was the set, designed
by the multi-talented sixth year Helen Askew. Open French windows
looking out onto a luscious garden of green and a flowing fountain
expertly created the haughty atmosphere of the finishing school.
The Roaring Twenties however, were brought completely to life
by the live band - consisting of both teachers and Kelso High School
pupils - which was led by musical director Harris Playfair. Seamless
progressions and perfect timing truly got the audiences toes tapping.
With a talented cast and crew, Kelso High School's ‘The
Boy Friend’ was the quintessential illustration of 1920's
high society. Bright and flashy, the show was a combination of
incredible costumes, dancing, acting, and singing. A fantastic
performance by all involved.
You can see pre and post-production photographs here
 “C’mon babe, let’s paint the town..” and “all
that jazz”. Kelso High School students are discovering that
life indeed can be a cabaret as they currently rehearse their Showcase
to be presented at Kelso High School hall on Tuesday 21st, Wednesday
22nd, and Thursday 23rd of March. An
entertaining evening of song, dance and drama that effectively
displays the talents of students and staff in all aspects of stage
production from organising to performing; this is an evening of
entertainment not to be missed. Harris Playfair as Musical Director
promises an evening of exciting and originally arranged music,
Carol Lesenger as Dance Director displays the dancing and choreography
skills of her students, while drama students under the direction
of Joan Fraser show their thespian talents.
Student participation in the production has been paramount - from
the set designed by 6th former (and Head Girl) Gillian Forsyth
- to the choreography of the musical section completed by Michelle
Douglas who displays her versatility by also singing and dancing,
to the student members of the band.
Drama includes three short plays: “Nursery Crimes” (Laura
Colebrook, Calum Bruce and Martin Pike). A whodunit mystery that
tries to decide which of the well-known nursery characters was
in fact responsible for the demise of Humpty Dumpty. “In
The Bookshop” (Fiona Hunter and Saskia Peace). This short
piece tells the tale of a hapless customer searching for a book
in the shop of an eager, but nevertheless, unhelpful owner. “Halloween
Party Time” (Andrew Watson, Laura Colebrook, Calum Bruce,
Rachel Waters). A spooky tale of a Halloween party being set up
in a school gym.
 The dance section of the programme includes students from S1 – S6
Dance Club, Senior Dance Club, S1 Dance Club and Intermediate Two
Dance Choreography Course performing to such diverse musical numbers
as “ When Doves Cry”, “Thriller”, “Bite
The Dust” and “Footloose”.Songs
from “Cabaret”, “Chicago”, “Sound
Of Music” and “Mama Mia” will catch your ear,
and have your toes tapping as they are performed by soloists, Michelle
Douglas, Annie Jacobs, Rachel Waters, Katrina Connell, Eilidh Veitch
and Mairi Cruickshanks. These talented young singers are ably supported
by a chorus of girls from S2 – S4.
The evening is a great Showcase of Kelso High School’s talents
that shows that these young performers truly believe that there
is “No Business Like Showbusiness”, and that they are
all looking for that elusive “FAME”!
You can see pre-production photographs here
After weeks of preparation; rehearsals, costume fittings, ticket
sales and  advertising, the eagerly awaited Kelso High School Showcase
was finally upon us, promising to be a night of glittering costumes
and dazzling talent, highlighting the enthusiasm and dedication
of Kelso High School pupils.
Following a warm welcome from pupils and staff on the door, the
audience were provided with a night of superb entertainment.
The show was opened by the S1-S3 Dance Club with a mesmerising
dance, choreographed by sixth year Amy Berrett – “Possessed” – which
displayed all of their hard work.
This dance was followed by a clever sequel to last year’s “In
The Bookshop”, with the very original title of “Back
In The Bookshop”! Saskia Peace once again shone in her
role as bookshop owner, supported by Rowena Jacobs, Flora Bruce
and Camille Murray, playing the unsuspecting customers.
Returning this time with their senior counterparts, the Dance
Club performed a visually exciting modern dance, whose vibrant
costumes lived up to its title of “Passion For Fashion”.
Further exemplifying the talent of Kelso High School pupils,
Victoria Lowrie starred in a witty  comedy sketch entitled “TA:
Territorial Actors” featuring Paul Hughes, Joanna Allen,
Anna Laang, Evie Riley, Melissa Hunter, James Stevens and Jack
Wilson as the enthusiastic cadets.
Two groups from the Intermediate II Choreography Class performed
two captivating and energetic numbers with another ingenious sketch
sandwiched in-between. “The Schoolroom Sketch” featured
Kerry Dickson as the teacher and other budding actors and actresses – Paul
Hughes, James Stevens, Rose Hadshar, Jack Wilson, Bonnie Bruce,
Melissa Hunter, Hannah Girrity and Anna Lang – as the mischievous
children.
Celia Ledgerwood-Walker provided us with a very entertaining one-woman
performance as an old lady in ‘At The Bus Stop’.
The act was then closed by the S1 – S6 dance club performing ‘Incommunicado’.
Our senses were then once again delighted by the much-acclaimed abridged version
of William Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming Of The Shrew’, which
had been previously performed at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh in February,
as part of the Schools Shakespeare Festival. Rachel Waters played the seemingly
untameable Katherina whom Petruchio (played by Andrew Watson) was only too
happy to take on. This fantastic play also featured Sebastien Murray, Saskia
Peace, Flora Bruce, Celia Ledgerwood-Walker, Adam Stevenson, Calum Bruce,
Fiona Hunter, Freya Fullarton, Rose Hadshar, Lauran Brown, Apithanny Bourne,
Hannah Girrity and Hannah Smith.
Once again, Kelso High School lived up to its reputation, providing a night
of polished yet spontaneously funny entertainment, once again showcasing the
vast amount of talent in Kelso High School, ranging from those in first year
right up to the senior school. Once again, director Joan Fraser and her brilliant
cast did not fail to disappoint.
you can see pre-production photos from the "Taming of the Shrew" here
 Never having been to a school production before I sat down with an open mind. As the introduction to “Kids in America” began to bellow around the hall it was obvious that a quiet night was out of the question. The spectacular show was opened by the all-singing, all-dancing Rachel Waters and Celia Ledgerwood-Walker. The two remarkably talented girls, along with Calum Bruce, Mark Forsyth, Ben McIntosh, Hannah Peace and Rose Hadshar were “The Cool Kids!” Then of course, there were “The Uncool Kids” played by Seb Murray, Flora Bruce, Rachel Mauchlen, Saskia Peace, Sarah Marynicz, Rowena Jacobs and Andrew Watson, with his show stealing performance as Feargal McFerrrin III. “The Oldies” played wonderfully by Fiona Hunter as Ms Sheena Brannigan, Joe Robson as Mr Stevie Cocker and Paul Morrison narrating as Corey Palmer Senior completed the cast perfectly!
 The first act was nothing less than spectacular as the battle for the position of Senior Year President and the heart of Tiffany Houston (Rachel) began between Michael Feldman (Calum) and Corey Palmer (Seb). This act also included some fantastic performances of songs from the 80s such as “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”, “Video Killed the Radio Star” and an awesome performance of “Footloose” from Calum Bruce, Ben McIntosh and Mark Forsyth. After the first, the second act had a lot to live up to and it did just that! With more amazing singing, dancing and acting and songs such as “Walking on Sunshine”, “Material Girl” and “Eye of the Tiger” it really reflected the hard work from pupils and teachers that had gone into preparing the show. The show was brought to a close by the wonderful “Back to the 80s Megamix” sung by the whole cast and ended the show terrifically!!
 The show was fantastic and it was obvious that a lot of effort and hard work had gone in to make it perfect. “It was the best show ever”, said one pupil and “I can’t believe I go to school with such talented people!” said another. From lighting to scene painting every last detail was covered with expertise! The show made you want to roar with laughter and I’m sure everyone in the audience found themselves hysterical more than a few times!! It is an honour to go to school and be friends with such talented people and everyone who took part is a huge asset to Kelso High School.
A huge round of applause to Ms Fraser, Mrs Thomson, the Cast and everyone else who helped in organising the show! WELL DONE !
Carmen Falla S5
You can see pre-production photos from "Back to the 80s" here
Kelso High School’s young actors took to the boards once again at the end of October. Three vastly different productions were performed – the audience were treated to an abridged version of Shakespeare’s “The Merchant Of Venice”, a “revamped true version” of the Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol – the true story”, and “Bonding” – a play that saw aliens grace the KHS stage for the first time.
 “Bonding” introduced new actors to the stage at KHS – Lewis Dickson, Amelia King and Charlotte Spencer. This play saw hapless dad Paul Hughes take his family on a camping trip that ended with a twist when aliens visited them. Hannah Smith showed her comic ability as the long-suffering Ma Hoskins. Beth Hadshar as the over-dramatic Aunt Letitia added further humour, as did Lewis Dickson as the hyper-active son, Junior – who can forget Junior’s antics to ABBA’s “Does Your Mother Know”! Claire Dibbern was scarily convincing as the pouting, petulant teenager Cheryl, who was constantly on her mobile to absent boyfriend “Rick”. Amelia King proved popular as Grandma – a very comic character who showed that she was no frail, feeble old woman. Hannah Girrity gave a very understated, but very convincing performance as the Tramp who joined the family and ate their pumpkin pie. Anna Lang was effective as the police officer smitten by the charms of Aunt Letitia. The visual highlight of the play was the two aliens played by Grace Reid and Charlotte Spencer – costumes thanks to Janice Cossigny, and make-up by new Art teacher Joanne Robson.
“A Christmas Carol – the true story” saw more experienced actors Rose Hadshar and Saskia Peace tell the modern day version of the Dickens classic. Both girls showed their confidence and ability to perform basically without props, and to let their acting skills alone tell the story.
 “The Merchant of Venice” had earlier been performed at the Brunton Theatre in Musselburgh as part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival. This play saw student director Flora Bruce take on responsibility for creating and directing the six scene frozen tableau that effectively began and ended the play. All the cast performed well as an ensemble, ensuring the play gave the look and feel of carnival time in Venice. Saskia Peace was outstanding as the embittered Shylock, while Seb Murray showed his fine Shakespearean acting as Bassanio. Celia Ledgerwood- Walker gave a stellar performance as Portia – showing the audience her comic ability as well as her nerves of steel in the court scene. All the cast are to be encouraged for their enthusiasm and dedication to this production.
Photographs of the event and the trip to the Brunton Theatre can be seen here
 When we first arrived at the school ready for the show we did not know what to expect. We took our seats and when the lights went down and the curtains drew back they revealed several young Kelso High School pupils dressed in their costumes and wearing vibrant make-up. As soon as the stage lights went on the actors and actresses sprang into action generating laughs and smiles from the audience within moments. Their voices echoed around the hall clearly and fluently. Even the youngest of the performers were loud and clear and they paused for the laughter of the audience to settle before continuing with their dialogue, allowing the audience to follow the storyline.
The two short plays called Emporium and Enlightenment were performed by some of our junior pupils at Kelso High School and directed by Ms Fraser. These were excellent performances and showed the future talent that will be involved with the school’s Drama Group
The final play, An Elliot Steinway Mystery, was directed by two senior pupils, Flora Bruce and Saskia Peace. This was a great success as the audience was glued to a thrilling story line and unsure of what was going to happen next. This production also gave new members of the Drama Group a chance to perform for the first time and for one member, Danny Poole S6, his last chance to do so. All cast members looked like they were having a great time performing to the audience and this in turn gained more attention and made the audience’s time more worthwhile. There were very few slip ups and if any of the actors had any doubt, Saskia was on hand to prompt.
Despite delays in the performance being played to an audience, due to bad weather, members of the cast being absent, and even the director being absent for the first two shows, the school show was a great success. The audience loved every minute and so did the cast. Kelso High School pupils truly showed, despite the circumstances, they can pull off one hell of a school show.
 We couldn’t have been more excited after buying our tickets for the Wednesday night showing of Hairspray; especially after the months of anticipation. The musical set in the early1960’s tells the tale of Tracy Turnblad, a teenager from Baltimore whose dream is to become a dancer on the ‘Corny Collins’ Show’. In doing this she breaks down the barriers to allow blacks and whites to dance together on the hit TV show.
 Hannah Peace and Jamie Norman played Tracy and Link which were their first starring roles. Hannah’s show stopping performance made her the perfect choice to play her character and soon had the audience clapping for more. Jamie, who had never been in any school productions previously, showed his confidence at playing the hunky teen heart-throb, Link. Mr Borthwick and Chris Laidler, who played Tracy’s Mother and Father, entertained the crowd so much that they were left in stitches with their performance of ‘Timeless to Me’.
Credit also goes to Dan Barnes, Victoria Lowrie, Fiona Black and Natasha Gray who had a huge jump in roles compared to previous years and filled their shoes perfectly. Mrs Cossigny was responsible for the colourful costumes which helped to set the scene for the evening. Sound and lighting was controlled by our very own Mr Alan Wise and Gordon Cossar, sound engineer to the stars. The musical director was Mrs Thomson and big thanks go to the band that was formed of music teachers, former pupils and partners of teachers. The show offered a variety of songs including ‘Welcome to the 60’s’, ‘Miss Baltimore Crabs’ and the finishing number ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat!’. The 50 strong cast of principals and chorus was the biggest that the school had seen and demonstrated that the pupils really do want to get more involved in school productions.
On the final night the Rector made one of his legendary speeches congratulating the cast and crew of the show and was even able to not mention thugby once! Mr Adams, geographer extraordinaire, told us that ‘The show improved with every passing performance!” 
The show would never have happened if it wasn't for the Director and Producer Ms Joan Fraser who gave up months of her time to perfect the dance routines, songs and lines of the cast.
The audience left feeling on a high after the mind blowing performance and we sure can’t wait for the next one. Remember now: you can’t stop the beat!
By Nicki Gotterson and Jennifer Yule
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