Another opening…another show!
23 March 2010
This year’s Upper School Performing Arts Showcase encompassed Drama, Dance and Comedy and was extremely well-received on both nights.
The opening night, Tuesday 9 March, saw the Drama and Theatre Studies AS candidates perform “The Caucasian Chalk Circle” by Bertolt Brecht. The examination pieces showcased the acting talents of the group, particularly Julia Ravey as the Governor`s Wife; Sinead Thompson as Simon Chachava; Victoria Collins as the Innkeeper; Anna Cribley as the militant servant and Alexandra Stringer as Grusha. Other strong performances included Nahida Ullah as the Lawyer, Kathryn Birrell as Grusha in the Second piece and Jennifer Mitchell as Azdak.
There then followed a Dance choreographed by Miss D Dutton, performed by fifteen Year 12 girls to an Arctic Monkeys track.
Following the Interval, there was a treat in store for the audience, who enjoyed immensely the Year 12 Drama Society (Extra-curricular pupils) perform “Abigail`s Party” by Mike Leigh. Beatrice Gibaud had her comic timing and delivery of lines in an Essex accent down to a tee, as the flirtatious Beverley, whilst David Paes came into his own as her frenetic husband, Laurence. Lily Carney was hilarious as Angela, with her brusque and monosyllabic husband Tony played by Joseph Carney. Naomi King perfectly portrayed the dignified but embarrassed Sue. Directed and produced by Mrs L van Arendsen, it rounded off a very enjoyable evening.
The following night saw the Drama and Theatre Studies A2 candidates perform their examination pieces based on the French Theatre Practitioner, Antonin Artaud. The first pieces entitled “Inferno“ showed Elizabeth Hampson, Sarah Kenny, Rachel Morrison and Rebecca Hale exploring the destructive power of sin, using non-verbal theatre techniques. The second group explored the theme of “Madness”. Wayne Ryan, Stephanie Bishop, Heather Hale, Ilana Richardson and Samantha Walsey gave a very powerful performance also. Both pieces were facilitated by Miss E Jenkins and Miss A Fitzgerald.
This was followed by a dance to the “Black Eyed Peas”.
Following the Interval, the Year 13 Drama Society performed “Abigail`s Party”. Grace Lewis showed her considerable acting prowess as the arch Beverley, whilst Rachel Renwick was the perfect foil, lending them a double-act quality; Jordan Beyga was excellent as Laurence and once more Naomi King and Joe Carney were comic as the awkward Sue and blunt Tony .
Directed and produced by Miss E Parr, a most enjoyable and varied evening was had by all.
Special thanks go to Jonathan Treherne on Lights; Aislinn Rush and Marie Lunt on Sound and Mark Fennel on lights, overseen by Mr CJ Hitchen.
Thanks to all who helped and supported the production and contributed to its success.
Miss A Fitzgerald