Upper School Performing Arts Showcase 2011
15 March 2011
This year’s Upper School Production took the form of a Performing Arts Showcase, allowing pupils who are studying Drama and Theatre Studies at AS and A2 to perform their examination pieces. It also gave pupils the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular Drama, as we put on an adaptation of “Oh! What A Lovely War “by Joan Littlewood.
The standard was very high, as audiences enjoyed and were moved by the ensemble cast who gave exceptionally strong performances depicting the reality of World War One in this groundbreaking piece of musical theatre.
Sean Turner as General Haig was convincing and Patrick Cunningham as the newsreader held the show together, with reports from the Front, as well as facts and figures reminding the audience of the tragic loss of life on such a grand scale.
Rebecca Cray as Mrs Pankhurst gave a strong performance, as well as coming into her own as a music-hall singer accompanied by Ellie McCormick. Lily Carney, Stephanie Moffatt, Caitlin Richardson and Ruth Sotomi showed their performance skills in many roles, from soldiers to factory girls and the antics of David Paes as the Serbian secret policeman, as well as a soldier and many other roles was well received.
David Mather, Christopher Mooney and Alexander Kelly showed themselves to be capable performers in this piece which was a demanding play, challenging the actors to multi-role throughout, whilst keeping up the pace. Jonathon Treherne and Marie Lunt took charge of sound and lighting, assisted by Mr C Hitchen and Mr I Sharp.
Directed and produced by Miss E Parr and Miss A Fitzgerald, Miss P Minogue contributed greatly with costumes and props, as well as stage management. Miss E Roberts was Musical Director and led the band, which was slick and professional.
The examination pieces from Year 13 Drama and Theatre Studies pupils provided the audience with thought provoking pieces for their Devised Theatre practical examination. One group explored with sensitivity and creativity the plight of Alzheimer`s sufferers and their families. Another group performed a piece which looked at aspects of Love. The creative adaptation of Cinderella was also well received.
Well done to all involved; especially Alexandra Stringer, Julia Ravey, Sinead Thompson, Anna Cribley, Victoria Collins, Nahida Ullah, Joseph Tierney, Holly McCartney, Hayley Clarke-Jones, Alice Edge and Kathryn Birrell in Year 13. All performers showed their talent and commitment in three very strong pieces of original drama.
All performances were met with a most enthusiastic response from the audience of pupils and parents who attended. All who took part rehearsed long and hard, assisted on sound lighting and set by Sean Turner, Jonathan Treherne, Marie Lunt, Mr C Hitchen, Mr A Treherne, Mr I Sharp, Miss E Parr and Miss P Minogue; the standards we have come to expect of the St Edward`s Drama Department were upheld.