DRAMA
D ulwich Drama is in fine fettle. The 50-strong Year 9 and Year 10 cast and crew set the Edward Alleyn Theatre alight this week with their terrific production of the fabled story of Everyman . I had the privilege, during my time at Dulwich, of directing this group, as Year 8s and 9s, and can testify to both the strength and depth of talent available. It was heartening to see the boys from my Year 8 production of Private Peaceful make the step up to Middle School Drama with aplomb, and to see those I had directed in Prince of Denmark , the previous Middle School play, establish themselves as actors of some considerable promise. In such an exceptional ensemble piece, it would seem unfair to pick people out, but Leo Milne, my Osric, has made the step up to leading man effortlessly, and he led the company superbly. Tom Crawley-Boevey broke hearts with his portrayal of Everyman’s younger self, and Harry Spicer offered joyous ‘super-sized’ comic relief. Other notable cameos came from Lolly Whitney Low with a touching tenderness and vulnerability as Strength, Zubayr Ghufoor’s imposing and charming Death, Megan Basham as Everyman’s feisty Sister, Temi Olaniyam as a witty and all-knowing God, Ollie Boardman’s sagacious and measured Knowledge and Archie Wright’s energetic rapping Touch. In this contemporary vision, Everyman is reckless, profligate, self-obsessed, vain and materialistic. He is also fearless, successful and adored; so when, after a night of partying, he is called upon to present a Reckoning of Good Deeds to save his soul, he confidently seeks help from those around him, imploring his closest mates, his family, and his material wealth to vouch for him — as it turns out, in vain. He is left with a rising panic and no choice but to run. As we witnessed his odyssey to stave off the inevitable and cling to his mortality, we were treated to one stunning set piece after another: the bureaucratic and unimaginative world of EARN, a thrilling RAVE, an encounter with Death’s acolyte ARMY, a heartbreaking scene where we see him YEARN for his family, George Chilcott Everyman R E V I EW T H E M I D D L E SCH OO L P L AY
He captured us with a rare confidence, stillness and assurance for his 14 years — he is definitely one to watch
a glittering and caustically witty sequence of REEM with parading possessions, and a desolate waste ground where we see him as the ENEMY of the planet. Peter Jolly’s stunning design of oversized ply letters gave graphic clarity to the ever-shifting narrative. They were seamlessly manoeuvred with deft skill by the accomplished young cast in a masterclass of stagecraft. As Everyman confronted his excesses and even his younger self, the dawning realisation of the absolute certainty of his demise led to a moving and spine-tingling celebration of his own life and the universal human experience. Leo Milne played the central role with astonishing maturity in a performance of the highest dramatic order. He captured us with a rare confidence, stillness and assurance for his 14 years — he is definitely one to watch. This was a vision of the dizzying self-obsession and materialism of the modern age, with a chilling reminder of our own lives, amplified by the star of the show — the slick, intoxicating ensemble. Kathryn Norton-Smith’s ever-ambitious direction, with breathtaking and fearless overlaying of visual elements, was complemented by Catherine Ibbotson’s adventurous and inventive choreography, unlocking a rich seam of new talent in the Middle School.
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