RGS Worcester – Go West

07 May 2014

A former Worcester pupil has made her professional debut aged 22, playing saxophone in the West End at the launch of the eagerly awaited musical Cool Rider, better known as Grease 2.

Abigail Lucas, who is studying for her degree at the Guildhall School of Music in London and was previously at RGS Worcester (left 2010), describes the moment when the curtain went up.  “The experience was like nothing I had imagined! The adrenaline really kicked in just before, as we were an onstage band. So seeing 1,500 people staring back at me as I started my big ‘Cool Rider’ sax solo, is not something I’ll forget in a hurry!”

At 14, Abi joined The Birmingham Conservatoire and she paid tribute to that early grounding: “My teacher there, Sarah James, was a huge inspiration to me, as she herself is working in the West End. I’d always loved music before then, however this was the point where I really began to think of it as a serious career.”

She continued her musical journey at RGS Worcester (2008-2010), joining the school in the Sixth Form. “The Music department at RGS played a huge part in where I am today. There were always so many opportunities for performing, as a soloist and in various groups and ensembles.”

People have been waiting 30 years for Grease 2 to become a musical and a cult following ensured the shows were sold out every night. Abi again: “From the moment we started playing the overture, the audience was so excited I couldn’t hear myself playing.” Although far younger than the other members, she won her part in the band through word of mouth and has learned on the job.

As a final year student at the Guildhall, she is urged to take on professional work to build her CV and lay foundations for a full-time career in this very tough industry. She has also managed to secure a week playing sax, flute and clarinet in Avenue Q at The Greenwich theatre in London. This show embarks on a six-month tour of the UK.

“I am in no position to turn any professional work down, and I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunities that I have whilst only 22 and still at University!”