The Junior production of Rats! brought the classic tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin to life with humour, heart, and a festive twist. From mischievous rodents to a pantomime-style finale, the boys delivered an impressive performance that brought laughter, seasonal cheer, and a heartwarming message to the stage.

This year’s adaptation of the Pied Piper of Hamelin offered a fresh take on the classic tale, transforming its darker themes into a lively and uplifting production. Pupils from Years 3 and 4 embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, creating a show that celebrated teamwork and talent.

Ms Langford, Head of Juniors and Year 4 teacher, shared:
“The Junior Production is definitely one of the highlights of the year. This year, the boys have really thrown themselves into Rats!; we’ve had an absolute ball in rehearsals, and it’s been a joy to see all the Junior boys come together in such a spectacular way!”

The story follows the town of Hamelin as it struggles to deal with an invasion of mischievous rats. When the mysterious Pied Piper arrives to help, chaos and humour ensue. Unlike the original tale, this adaptation ends on a positive note where everyone – including the rats – learns the value of fairness and community spirit.

With a pantomime-style finale, the show concluded on a high note: the Piper was paid fairly for his work, the townspeople of Hamelin were reunited with their children, and even the mischievous rats – albeit slightly damp – vowed to reform their ways.

A selection of pupils’ wonderful artwork was also featured throughout the production. Programme covers were designed by Merlin and Samarth, while promotional posters were created by Alexander, Henry, Rhys, and Karim. Programme artwork was contributed by Nathan, Kirill, James, John, and members of 3R.

Pupils were excited to share their thoughts, with Otto saying, “I was a bit nervous at first, but then it was excellent.” Gabriel simply said, “I loved it,” while Nicholas added, “I found it really fun.” Vigo described the experience as “nerve-wracking but fun!”

The Master, Mrs Jefferson, commented: “The Juniors’ performance of Rats! this week was an absolute delight from start to finish. Well done to all involved for a charismatic, enjoyable and very humorous retelling of the Pied Piper story. If you are in need of pest control, we know a man!”

Miss Tricker, Director of Drama, praised the boys for their commitment and energy, saying, “Well done to all the Juniors for thoroughly engaging with the spirit of the piece.”

The show provided pupils with a valuable opportunity to apply their skills and demonstrate their learning in both performance and teamwork. We hope parents enjoyed the performance as much as the boys enjoyed putting it together. A fantastic way to end the term – and if you’re ever in need of pest control, our Pied Piper might just be the man for the job!