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Newspaper Article - The Henley Standard - W/E 30th October 2009
 Imagine being at school and suddenly your teacher bursts into a rousing chorus of Great Balls of Fire!!
Well, that is exactly what reception class pupils at Highfield School in Maidenhead were treated to when Claire Wallis landed a part in Henley Amateur Operatic Society's production of the cult musical, Return to the Forbidden Planet at the Kenton Theatre in November.
Claire, who not only teaches Reception Class but also runs the extended day drama group, is said to be over the moon to be playing the part of the Science Officer, Gloria in this quirky musical which throws together 1950's science fiction, fake Shakespeare and the muscle of early rock and roll.
Claire has been performing since she was eleven years old and was accepted at Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead, when she was fifteen but was unable to obtain funding to go. However she has never given up on her dream of performing and loves being involved with HAODS, having recently been elected to the committee.
When Claire moved to Highfield to teach two years ago she wanted to
make sure that her Reception class would have regular drama classes and
opportunities to perform to develop their self esteem and confidence.
In fact her class puts on three shows over the year including a West
African show, which they are putting on after the half term to
celebrate their learning about black history and culture. In her
extended day drama class, the children learn about characters, work on
scripts, sing and dance. Drama is high on the agenda at Highfield and
the school also runs a stage work class on a Saturday morning.
Claire was last seen in Fiddler on the Roof last spring at the Kenton,
when a large party of her pupils came to support her and to see her
perform. Mrs Lloyd, Head of the Lower School said "By the children
being given the opportunity to see their teacher perform on stage it
inspires the girls at our school to follow their dreams."
However, Claire has recently been back to school herself, having
recently qualified top of her class, beating all the men, as a
toastmaster - so she is currently available for weddings and... well
you know the rest of the line! Congratulations Claire and rock on!
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