In October 2002, the West Bridgford School Music Department relaunched itself with the first in a series of contemporary music shows. "It's A Fab Four Mystery Tour" was a costumed show chartering the progress of the Beatles from the beat group sound of Emma Shepherd singing "Love Me Do", through a plaintive heartfelt performance of "Yesterday" by Hannah Soulsby, and on to the classical strains of "Abbey Road". Tickets sold out in record time and those lucky enough to obtain one witnessed John Lennon's lyrics come true: "A splendid time is guaranteed for all".The stage throughout was a rich visual feast of hippy style outfits worn by an excellent choir and orchestra which played such a vital role in delivering the complexities of the later Beatles compositions. Among the notable solo performances were stunning versions of Lennon's "In My Life" courtesy of Fran Alton, and McCartney's "She's Leaving Home" by Alex Seedhouse. Beatle-esque collages were projected overhead.
The show became a firm favourite with staff, (all no doubt reminded of their youth), and revived the Bridgford tradition of having a Staff Band perform for one number; Mari Paskin delivering a punk influenced version of "Dear Prudence".
Other performers included Neil Jenkins, Tim Price, Sophie Goodwin, Claire Mountain, Jessie Lancaster, Rebecca Wallis, and Kirsty Day.
The outstanding success of this show paved the way for the contemporary music shows which followed.
