The school hall was transformed into a galactic stage this week as Cowbridge School presented its hugely successful production of "Return to the Forbidden Planet". Across three unforgettable performances, the sheer talent and energy of our students brought this rock-and-roll space odyssey to life, leaving audiences truly mesmerised.

The lead performers delivered powerhouse vocals and exhibited a commanding stage presence but it is important to acknowledge that the success of a show this ambitious relies on the crew as much as the captain. We want to extend a massive congratulations to the dozens of students who took part in supporting roles. Whether they were part of the energetic ensemble, managing complex scene transitions, or ensuring the technical cues were hit perfectly from the wings, their dedication was the heartbeat of the show.

A particular highlight this year was the staging choice to bring our incredible student musicians out from behind the curtain. In contrast to previous years where the orchestra was hidden away, having the band visible on stage added a thrilling live-concert dimension to the performance. Seeing their skill and focus in real-time added an extra layer of magic to every musical number.

Of course, a production of this magnitude is a community effort. We owe a debt of gratitude to our parents and carers for their unwavering support—from evening pick-ups after gruelling rehearsals to the encouragement provided at home.

Finally, a massive congratulations to Mr Green, Mr Williams and Mrs Ireland for their vision and tireless efforts in bringing this production together. We also thank the many other staff members who volunteered their time for front-of-house, costumes, and backstage support, during the run-up to, and on the nights of the show. It was a wonderful showcase of what the Cowbridge community can achieve together!

Wishing everyone a restful and relaxing Christmas!