Ratcliffian 2016 (LOWRES)

DRAMA
DRAMA
The GCSE Year 11 students presented three very
contrasting performances. A gifted and talented
group of students presented The Government
Inspector loosely based on the same play by Gogol.
Four dysfunctional office workers managed by a
zealous diva boss, Natasha Walsh, were conned
into cleaning up their act to persuade a government
inspector, yet another conman, in the form of Charlie
Hancock, that their government ran smoothly. This
was a clever, physically styled performance with
plenty of laughs. Blackout by
Davey Anderson, was about a
young offender, admirably and
angrily portrayed by Zainab
Hussain, in a powerful set of
flash backs on how she narrowly
missed being
imprisoned;
stark and dark,
yet highly
watchable.
The final play, a
shortened version of The
Caucasian Chalk Circle,
was deeply moving,
with Jessica Neuberg
as Grusha, who took
an abandoned child
of the Governor after
his father had been
killed in a civil war
and the mother fled.
The Governor’s wife,
Isabelle Duckett, gave a feisty performance as a very
self-centred woman with more thought about her furs
than her child. Jack Vinall,
as the soldier who fell in love
with Grusha, was excellent
and his other comic role as
a man who married Grusha
was in strong, vibrant
contrast. With multi-roling
by all others, the pace and
tight timing ensured a poignant
production of this well-known story.
The whole of Year 7
were involved with
Indian Folk Tales, a
fascinating insight into
beautifully told stories
adapted for the stage.
With staging and set
designed by our new
Drama Technician,
Fiona Viccars, the
glittering array of saris
and turbans ensured that the theatre shone with Eastern
promise! Striking performances were given from Brooke
England as a queen whose son
overthrew his cruel father, Freya
Smith in the role of Devaki, from the
story of Krishna, The Blue God and
Jacob Storey, her brother in the tale
who tried to kill Krishna. Elephants,
serpents and half-bull, half-man
creatures added authenticity and the
flavour of India – a superb finish to
the production year.
Additionally, the LAMDA lessons
continue to thrive in the Preparatory
and Senior Schools and group examinations have been
particularly successful, notably those taking their Silver with
a good number of Distinctions being awarded.
Drama Club activities under the guidance of Miss Monk,
continue to thrive. A number of Years 7 and 8 students have
enjoyed attending the lunchtime Drama Club this year where
they have developed their improvisation and performance skills.
They have learned a number of rehearsal exercises and created
some original and often very amusing pieces of drama.
Finally, for the first time ever, a House Drama
competition was held. This was a legacy wish from
last year’s leaving Year 13 students. On the final day
of term, a fiercely fought battle over the Pantomime
stakes was held in the Sports Hall. Emery performed
Jack and the Beanstalk, De Lisle Cinderella, Arundel
The Three Little Pigs, and Leetham Snow White. The
competition was judged by Suzanne Forrester, of
Sky Theatre Youth Group, who found it very hard to
judge the fine array of students ranging from Year
7 upwards, to a member of staff (Mr Adam Seth as
the Huntsman in Snow White). However, Arundel won with
Three Little Pigs and Brooke England as a mischievous Little
Miss Riding Hood and the hilarious
Finn Merriman who almost stole
the show with his house of straw.
A truly wonderful occasion, with
the entire School enthralled by
thespian theatricals!
David Ricks, with his growing team
of budding lighting technicians
continues to enlighten all
productions. Kristian Brocksopp
and Tom Binnie have shown
considerable expertise with
this and should be commended on their out-of-school
commitment. Peter Cotter, in particular, has shown
considerable talent and artistry with lighting designs and it
will be sad to see him leave this year as his commitment has
supported the Drama Department for a number of years.
A very successful year and one full of happy photographs,
taken by Richard Budding, to remember.
Mrs C Caven Henrys
Head of Drama
44
45