Torquay school wins exclusive rights to perform Disney's Frozen

Disney's Frozen, enjoyed by millions worldwide, is coming to Torbay to be performed on the stage of a Torquay secondary school.

Disney have given St Cuthbert Mayne School exclusive rights to stage the blockbuster show.

The school has won a nationwide Disney competition allowing it to put on the world-famous musical fantasy with its pupils playing starring roles.

It will present the first-ever school production of Disney’s Frozen: The West End Musical in Torquay, as part of the nationwide competition The United Kingdom of Frozen: Love Is an Open Door. 

The United Kingdom of Frozen is a groundbreaking competition sponsored by Disney Theatrical Group and Music Theatre International that aims to promote inclusive and diverse school theatre programmes using the theme “Love Is an Open Door.” 

Through a competitive online application process, one school in every region of the UK was chosen to win exclusive rights to present Disney’s Frozen: The West End Musical in 2024 or 2025. 

The production, featuring 115 students led by Mr Jon Waterworth, Mrs Melanie Byng, Mrs Sarah Williams and Mr Ryan Thorne plays at St. Cuthbert Mayne School in the main hall, from May 21 to May 24.

Mr Waterworth, Head of Performing Arts at St Cuthbert Mayne School, says: “This is an amazing, once in a lifetime moment for us as a school and our students to give them opportunities that they never thought were possible. 

"We are so proud of every single student taking part and living life in all its fullness. It’s a chance for the whole community to pull together to create something magical. I’d like to thank Kayleigh Specter photography who has offered to take photos of the entire process from beginning to end and also Pro Build scaffold who are constructing our stage adaptations. It is really appreciated."

Winners were chosen based on a unique artistic vision of Frozen and a demonstrated commitment to outreach in their school and local communities. 

St Cuthbert Mayne School is one of 11 winners selected to represent their region. Ryan Macaulay, Director of Operations, Education and Development for Music Theatre International's London office, said: “We were overwhelmed by the positive response to the United Kingdom of Frozen competition, with hundreds of schools submitting applications to take part. 

"It has been thrilling to read about the remarkable passion and dedication of teachers across the UK who are working tirelessly to ensure the performing arts are reaching more young people than ever before. 

"The decision-making process was incredibly difficult, but we are excited to see the 11 selected schools mount their productions over the course of the coming months.” 

Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen include all of the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new songs written exclusively for the stage. 

For tickets to St. Cuthbert Mayne’s production of Frozen, please visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/stcuthbertmayneschool  

In 2022, MTI and Disney released Frozen JR. (a 60-minute adaptation for schools and youth groups) and in 2023 Frozen KIDS (a 30-minute adaptation), which continue to thrill and delight students and audiences across the UK. The full-length version of Frozen is not available for wider licensing in the UK at this time, making The United Kingdom of Frozen what is being described as a 'truly momentous celebration of this timeless story'.