Foundation Magazine 2021-2022 | Mount Kelly

PERFORMING & CREATIVE ARTS
TREASURE ISLAND - THE RADIO PLAY -
YEAR 5
It was with great excitement that the Year
5s embarked on their first play in Middle
Prep.
Throughout the term, we had been studying
the beautiful book Kensuke’s Kingdom by
Michael Morpurgo. It seemed appropriate
then for the children to perform Treasure
Island.
With enthusiasm and lots of yo ho ho’s we
started rehearsals. Unfortunately though,
there were storms ahead with the new
wave of Covid-19. It was decided that it
would not be appropriate for us to perform
to an audience. After much thought and
discussion it was confirmed that the show
must go on (or the ship should still sail!) but
in a new format for Mount Kelly - the radio
play.
The pupils took on the idea with gusto
and had enormous fun working out sound
effects and ensuring their voices clearly
portrayed the characters.
After a number of hours in the ‘sound
booth’ recording, working with the amazing
IT team, overlaying the sound effects
(seagulls, the sea lapping, squawking
parrots to name but a few) Treasure Island
- the radio play set sail.
Mrs Twyman ensured the sea shanties
were sung to the highest standard and
Mrs Buckett took control of costumes for
the background photos whilst the play
was airing. It was the swansong for Mrs.
Wilson who left for warmer Nigerian waters
at Christmas. I will forever remember her
ensuring that every character (even the
parrot) spoke clearly and with ‘expression’
emphasising that “if I close my eyes can I
see the character?”
So much fun was had and the pupils
really did show the Mount Kelly values of
determination and resilience in the face of
many challenges and they will remain the
first Mount Kelly pupils to stage a radio
play! - pioneers every one!
THREE CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF A
VERDICT - YEAR 6
Full of comedy, drama and suspense,
the Year 6 play this year was one not
to be missed. We had the wonderful
opportunity to perform this courtroombased
play in the newly refurbished,
historical Tavistock magistrate’s hall.
The acoustics were fantastic and those,
coupled with plenty of hard work in the
build up to the play, meant every child
could be heard perfectly.
Every child was fully invested in their roles,
making a huge effort not only to learn
their lines, but to act them with skill and
conviction. Who would have known that
the audience would end up siding with
Little Red Riding Hood’s tormentor, the
Big Bad Wolf who just wanted to sell his
wares? No one would have guessed that
it wasn’t Jack who killed the Giant on the
beanstalk but rather his work weary wife
who was keen for an insurance pay out.
Finally, poor, vilified Goldilocks managed
to prove herself innocent while we were
shocked to find that Daddy Bear was the
true culprit of his destroyed house.
Each cast member excelled and while
it was ‘just acting’, I certainly would not
like to get on the wrong side of the law in
the future if the convincing displays of the
judges, prosecutors and defence lawyers
are anything to go by. The children even
managed to keep on with the job when
Mr Floyd made a guest appearance in a
wig and apron while filling in for a much
missed absent cast member.
The night of the Year 6 play was a
fantastic evening with a wonderful cast
and a great audience.
PERFORMING & CREATIVE ARTS
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