Jane Hammond Thorpe To Stage ‘Mary Poppins’
Jane Hammond Thorpe, Head of Creative Arts at Bermuda High School [BHS], is getting set to stage her final production, Mary Poppins, from January 30 to February 2.
A spokesperson said, “After 26 years, BHS’s Head of Creative Arts, Jane Hammond Thorpe, is closing the curtain on an illustrious career.
“An alumna of the school, Jane pursued her primary education at BHS before attending boarding school abroad in 1982. She returned to campus as a drama teacher in 1999 and started her show run with a production of Annie.
“With over 40 shows to her name, including 23 musicals [two of which were originals], three full-length plays, two one-act plays, seven abridged Shakespeare plays, three ‘three day to curtain’ productions, and four end of year plays [Year 9], Jane has covered her fair share of theatre classics like Sound of Music, Mama Mia, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, alongside new age productions such as Shrek, High School Musical, and School of Rock. Her final production, Mary Poppins, will run from January 30th to February 2nd, offering five performances.”
Ms. Thorpe said, “In the spirit of going out with a bang, I’m excited to have selected Mary Poppins as my final production. It’s a big show and will appeal to all members of our school community. The retelling of a classic story with magic moments, well-known tunes, big dance numbers, and challenging roles for the students to act in.”
The spokesperson said, “On the stage, Freya Benedict ‘26, and Hannah Taylor ‘25 will bring Mary and Bert to life, while the Banks family will be portrayed by Nadia Gibson ‘26 [Winifred], Annabelle Davidson ‘26 [George], Zoe Kulkarni ‘29 [Jane], and Kelia Crucenzo ‘31 [Michael].
Ms. Thorpe said, “My students have been the highlight of my career; they make every school day worth it. My shows are my favourite part of my role. Directing and producing a show can sometimes be overwhelming, but so many people step up to help. It is always a team effort. I see students in a different light. Drama allows them to behave differently than in a classroom.
“Behind the scenes, they learn to be leaders and work in an intense atmosphere. On the stage, they learn to take risks and put themselves out there – whether in a lead role or the ensemble! Theatre has been my happy place. I love the creative freedom, the collaborative spirit and the sheer fun that the journey brings from beginning to end.
“I have always wanted to allow others to learn about and be exposed to it. Putting together productions has done that for so many… watching them create something together is truly incredible.”
Carol A. Swainson, Head of School, said, “We are so proud of the work that Jane has done with her students on and off the stage. She has inspired and mentored scores of students who return to visit her regularly. Mary Poppins will be a tremendous production.”
The spokesperson said, “Tickets for BHS’ production of Mary Poppins are available at bhs.bm.”
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