Mersey Drive Year 6 take final bow in show-stopping Cinderella and Rockerfella performance

Friday, 18 July 2025 12:33

By David Murphy

Pupils earn standing ovation as mayor joins proud send-off at Whitefield primary school

A class of 32 Year 6 pupils from Mersey Drive Community Primary School in Whitefield brought the house down last week with a lively and modern twist on the Cinderella tale.

The two-night production of Cinderella and Rockerfella drew large crowds to the school assembly hall, including a special appearance by the mayor of Bury, Councillor Noel Bayley, during a Tuesday afternoon matinee on 8 July.

The play, a musical adaptation where Cinderella reclaims her voice and Rockerfella, a fame-weary pop star, discovers the value of kindness, was directed by Year 6 teacher Mr A. Oliver and received technical support from Year 5 teacher Mr P. McCrudden. Additional musical numbers featured enthusiastic contributions from other Key Stage 2 students.

In a brief address after the final performance, mayor Bayley said: “You should be really proud of yourselves. This was a brilliant production, with some great singing and absolutely brilliant acting.”

The show marked a key milestone for the Year 6 pupils as they prepare to leave Mersey Drive for secondary school in September. Head teacher Miss A. Ridley described the production as “exciting and emotional”, calling it “a celebration of the amazing achievement of completing Year 6”.

She added: “Cinderella and Rockerfella is particularly special to me, it's the last play I did as a teacher.”

Before taking his seat, the mayor toured the school’s revamped courtyard, a student-led project supported by donations, and visited The Hive, Mersey Drive’s Autism Spectrum Condition Resourced Provision, which provides targeted support for children with additional needs.

The final performance, held on Wednesday 9 July, gave working parents a chance to attend and added to the celebratory atmosphere of what has become a cherished Year 6 tradition.