To celebrate the upcoming staging of the musical We Will Rock You at Mougins British School, we were delighted to meet Mary Garvey, Head of Music, and to learn more about its unique Performing Arts and Music Programme. We also caught up with Georgina Lambert, one of the students who is taking part in this fabulous production.
Mary Garvey, Musical Director
Please tell us a little about yourself, how you came to live in the South of France, how long you’ve been at Mougins School, and what your background in the Arts is.
I have been at Mougins School for two years. I come from a family of performers, my mother was a professional singer and my sister is a professional dancer, so the arts have always been part of my life. I attended Chetham’s School of Music and studied music at York University in the UK. As a “triple threat” performer (who can act, sing and dance) from a young age, I have directed multiple musicals and composed original music for plays like Animal Farm and Carrie’s War.
What is your role in the production? Are any other staff members involved?
I am the Musical Director and have helped direct several scenes. I am working alongside Hilary Lecoy (Head of English and Drama), who co-directed, and my sister, Frances Garvey Fereday, who served as the choreographer and acting coach for the lead roles.
Why did you choose We Will Rock You for this year’s school production? Can you tell us a little about the audition process?
Following last year’s success with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I wanted a music-led production to showcase our fabulous musicians and band. I first performed We Will Rock You in Northallerton and fell in love with its fun storyline and Queen’s iconic songs, music everyone knows, even if they don’t realize it’s Queen. The story’s theme of technology killing human expression felt particularly timely given current developments in AI. Students performed a short monologue from the script and a song of their choice.
While licensing for this show is very strict regarding script changes, our students have brought a unique flair to the performance that makes it their own.
What do you think makes this production unique and what is your proudest creative achievement in it?
The production is unique because of the incredible hard work of our chorus, especially the Year 7 students who are new to musicals. I am most proud of how they have mastered complex harmonies and choreography to truly carry the show. We are also utilizing our new theatre’s state-of-the-art technology to match the “modern” feel of the show.
How long did the students have to rehearse for? Did it overlap with any exams and if so, how did they work around it?
Rehearsals took place every Monday after school for two hours, supplemented by six full-day Saturday sessions to minimize disruption to school time. We successfully navigated the challenge of mock exams which took place during the first few weeks of January.
Are any students involved in the technical production (lighting, sound, stage direction) or only in performance?
This is a full student production. While supported by a teacher, a student tech team runs the sound, lights, and projections. Additionally, students manage the backstage operations, and the band is composed entirely of students.
What were the toughest challenges in putting on this show, and how did you overcome them?
The toughest challenge was balancing the rehearsal schedule with the academic calendar, specifically the January mock exams. We overcame this by utilizing intensive Saturday rehearsals to stay on track.
Were only Arts students able to audition? Do you believe the Arts programme is beneficial to all students, not only those who wish to pursue a career in the Arts?
Auditions were inclusive and open to any student, as we view this as a community event. The program fosters social connection, personal development and helps career pathways. It is lovely to see different year groups making friends and supporting one another. It builds confidence and teamwork skills beyond just musical ability. We have introduced a BTEC in Performing Arts for Years 12 and 13 to provide a formal route for those pursuing the arts professionally.
What do you hope audiences will take away from this production?
I hope the audience sees the school as a community brought together through this event, enjoys the uplifting tunes of Queen and has a good time!
Are you aware of any success stories from the school’s art programme eg. students who have gone on to have successful careers in the arts?
Our students have a history of excellence, with alumni going on to study film music in America or pursuing drama careers in Germany and the UK.
My goal is to make Mougins School well-known for its unique and high-quality Performing Arts and Music programs within the region, both through our productions, concerts and for being the only centre that offers Performing Arts as an exam subject.
Georgina Lambert plays the role of Killer Queen
How did you research and prepare for this role apart from the rehearsals at school?
I have seen the Musical in London and I loved it. I also watched many clips online to prepare for the role of Killer Queen.
When did you first learn about Freddie Mercury and Queen?
I have always loved Queen, my mum helped manage Live Aid and so I have always been surrounded by cool Music. The Queen songs are so uplifting.
What’s your favourite Queen song?
My favourite is the classic Bohemian Rhapsody.
Did you choose Mougins for its Arts programme (was that a factor?), or was it a bonus, and something you only discovered once you had joined the school?
I started Mougins school in Year 6, and have watched the Performing Arts develop and grow under the guidance of Ms Lecoy and Ms Garvey. This is our second musical and I think it might be the best one yet.
Do you plan to pursue a career in the Arts?
I am hoping to follow a career in the performing arts, perhaps in films. This experience has helped me develop my love for performing.
The Musical We Will Rock You will take place at 6.30pm on 11, 12 and 13 February at Mougins British School (only for students and their families).
