We started the year with a trip to London to watch ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ with GCSE Drama students in tow. We stopped off in Leicester Square for some lunch before heading to the Noel Coward Theatre. The production was enjoyed by all and really helped the students’ understanding how performance can be enhanced by design. October saw the first of three Theatre Thursday Showcases, the quality of which went beyond my expectations. With an entertaining mixture of acting, singing and dance, the audience were left wowed by the talent of the students. Particular highlights for me were Alyssa Yeung’s powerful rendition of ‘Someone Like You’ by Adele and Sarah-Jane Revell’s uncanny delivery of ‘As Long as He Needs Me’ from smash-hit musical ‘Oliver!’ After half term, each House presented a unique piece of drama exploring the theme of friendship for the House Drama competition. The performances of ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’, ‘Jumanji’ and ‘Monsters Inc.’ demonstrated diverse interpretations of friendship, leaving the audience and judges amused, moved and inspired. However, it was Lodge’s enthralling production of ‘Dead Poets Society’ that emerged as the overall winner, showcasing the power of friendship in an evocative and thought-provoking manner. Spandan Rai’s performance as the tragic lead was portrayed with sensitivity and pathos, and supported by a superb ensemble cast.
DRAMA
This academic year has been very busy with performances, events, trips and workshops. There has also been an enormous amount of individual success in Drama, and whilst the full list is too long to squeeze into the word limit of this article, I would like to congratulate the following students:
Ellie Uden and Arcelia Rai Peel Drama prize winners.
Olivia Leigh-Hunt Grade 3 Public Speaking
Megan Gurung Grade 4 Public Speaking (distinction), Grade 4 Acting (distinction).
(distinction), three prizes at the Thanet festival including 1st place for Prose Reading. Luke Jury Grade 2 Speaking Verse and Prose (distinction), Grade 2 Acting (distinction), two prizes at the Thanet Festival.
Alyssa Yeung Grade 3 Public Speaking
(distinction), Grade 3 Speaking Verse and Prose (distinction), two prizes at the Thanet Festival including 1st place for Bible Reading.
Grace Huckstep Grade 6 Acting (distinction).
Sarah-Jane Revell Grade 6 Acting (distinction).
Joshua Baker Grade 3 Public Speaking (distinction), Grade 3 Acting
Ava Rosengarten Grade 2 Speaking Verse and Prose (distinction), 3rd place for Reading Aloud at Sight at Thanet Festival.
Aswiga Geretheran Grade 4 Speaking Verse and Prose
(distinction), one prize at the Thanet Festival, performed at West End’s Shaftesbury Theatre.
During a rather dreary February, 5th Formers brightened up our day with their final practical GCSE assessment. Every student went above and beyond to showcase their talent to the visiting examiner and they should be very proud of what they achieved. We wish them the very best of luck with results day and with their futures. Arts Fortnight was celebrated in March, which included the second Theatre Thursday Showcase, SLC’s Got Talent, the Literary Showstopper Competition, a trip to see ‘Wicked’ and a concert. The fortnight culminated in the Senior School production of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’. With its 1960s Margate setting, incorporating the clash between the Mods and Rockers as the feuding families, Miss Ross’ fusion of classical tragedy and the vibrant era of youth culture brought a refreshing twist to the timeless tale of love and rivalry. Our two Juliets were played by Ellie Uden and Grace Huckstep, who both gave electrifying and emotive performances. Arcelia Rai as the Nurse was another stand out and nuanced performance. Again, the play demonstrated the wealth of talent we have both on and back stage. The dedication, creativity, and professionalism demonstrated by our students was truly commendable.
(distinction), Grade 5 Acting (distinction).
Lexie Durrant Grade 3 Acting (distinction),
three prizes at the Thanet Festival, including 1st place for Solo Mime.
The festive season brought us the delightful Kirby Production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ expertly directed by Miss Ross. The cast delivered a mesmerizing performance, capturing the spirit of Christmas and leaving the audience filled with warmth and holiday cheer. The production was a testament to the dedication and talent of our students, and it will be cherished as a treasured memory for years to come. Didi Brooks gave an amazing and expressive performance as Scrooge, Lexie Durrant gave a charming performance as Bob Cratchet and Luke Jury showed off his acting range by playing the contrasting characters of The Ghost of Christmas Present and Old Joe.
LAWRENTIAN 2023
43
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker