Students Don Their Habits For School Production

Students are donning their habits and preparing to tackle their latest theatre production of the timeless classic, The Sound of Music, with vital help from local residents.

June Young, aged 80, and Sheila Locke, aged 77, from Chelmsley Wood, have measured, sewed, and tailored eleven nuns’ habits, and seven von Trapp outfits for the show at Grace Academy Solihull on 16, 17, and 18 March at Chapelhouse Road, Chelmsley Wood, B37 5JS.

The kind-hearted duo volunteered their time to help the youngsters after a plea for help from drama teacher Laura Duxbury, Head of Year 8.

Explaining how they first got involved, Sheila Locke said:

“We went on a trip to a Christmas Fair with Grace Academy Solihull and they were very good with one of our ladies who had trouble with her knees. While we were on the coach they asked if anyone was good at sewing so we thought, as they had been so good to us, that we would reciprocate the favour.

“We thought we would be sewing on the odd button, but when we arrived we ended up designing and making eleven nuns’ habits and seven children’s costumes for The Sound of Music production, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that there aren’t any more to do.

“Everyone must come and see the production and we’ll be here helping the students into their costumes.”

Teacher Laura Duxbury commented:

“June and Sheila are really lovely perfectionists who keep going until they get it absolutely right.  They are going the extra mile for us all the time, they chat to the kids, and it feels like everyone is really involved which is lovely.”

Tickets can be purchased online at www.positickets.co.uk or by calling: 0121 329 4600.