COMMEMORATIONS to mark the 300th anniversary of John Kyrle’s death continued last weekend with JK The Musical.

Students from schools in Ross-on-Wye and the local are joined forces to tell the story of John Kyrle the man who became known as The Man of Ross..

The students from John Kyrle High School, Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, St Mary’s RC High School, Gorsley Junior school, Weston under Penyard, Brampton Abbots, St Joseph’s and some home educated children, have all been involved in the writing and rehearsing process. 

Sammy Martin wrote the three-act musical that features nine songs and was determined to create opportunities for the students to make the musical their own.

She said: “I was intrigued by the story of John Kyrle, his altruism, his generosity of spirit and determination to make a difference in the community has such tremendous impact.

“This town still has the benefit of his influence both physically and in our town’s core character. We are a kind, supportive, proactive town. We still have problems with flooding…but not as bad as it was 300 years ago, however, the floods are still here.

“We still have worries to care for the poor, the sick and those with emotional need. And we do it all as John Kyrle’s legacy lives on.”

“The older students helped write and direct the musical and supported and encouraged the younger students. This resulted in a positive aspect of the work on the musical, especially important given the name of the High School.”

For the younger students it’s been an opportunity for them to integrate with confidence and were involved in the writing and composing aspects of the musical. 

The High School’s head of music, Lynda Taylor arranged the scores for the school orchestra, and she encouraged students to compose, arrange and conduct the music themselves. Meanwhile Neil Pritchard, the school’s head of drama encouraged GCSE and A level drama students to be confident leaders and  directors.

Behind the scenes, Dr Georgina Neall worked tirelessly on costumes that included numerous waistcoats, mop caps and she brought her knowledge of the history of costumes with incredible detail. Lynn Tait from the Phoenix Theatre loaned the production some of their exquisite costumes.  

Local singing teacher Katie Payne and vocal coach Lori Weber also assisted in the production. Paul Kennedy went out on location and recorded the sounds of St Mary’s Church bells and the sounds of the River Wye.