"Rockestra" (April 9, 10, 11, 2003) was the follow up to "Fab 4 Mystery Tour". This was also the show which defined what Bridgford Rockshows were to be about.Even Central Television visited rehearsals to do a feature on us! A highlight of their broadcast was Sophie Goodwin's soulful, powerhouse rendition of Queen's "The Show Must Go On", which had those present choked with emotion as Sophie's vocals matched Nigel's guitar licks each and every step of the way.
'Cesca York's natural, animated style (expertly supported by Amy Chapman's percussion) on "Baker Street" and "Warmth" gave guidance and encouragement to the many other cast members who were soon to be sharing the stage. (In fact "end of show stage invasions" started with the encore to this show, a tradition has persisted ever since!) Another outstanding performance came from Fran Alton with her aggressively emotional rendition of "This Is How You Remind Me". (Janis Joplin would have been proud!)
Other performers included Alfie Penfold, Tim Price, Rebecca Wells, Hannah Soulsby, Emma Shepherd, Rebecca Wallis, Lucy Inkster, Kirsty Day, and Harrie Edwatds. Rockestra's repertoire ranged from the contemporary music of the Sugar Babes to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and included older "classics" from the Police, and even Elvis. All selections were played with the standard of musicianship one might easily expect to find on the professional circuit.
This was also the show which launched a new phenomena in school, that which sees pupils buying up most of the tickets, leaving their parents at home, and coming to see the show with their friends. Their rapturous and supportive response to the sight of their friends on stage made for a great atmosphere.
Once again the Staff Band made an appearance, this time with Mr Ian Craig's rendition of "Foxy Lady", ably supported by Mr Mark Elston on bass, Mr Marcus Glanville on drums, and guitar tutor Nigel Davis on Hendrix style lead.
The outstanding success of "Rockestra" led to a demand for a quick sequel even before the summer was over!
