DRAMA
Tom Crowther, adjudicator Lower School House Drama
I was delighted to be invited to adjudicate the Lower School House Drama. I had spent a winter as an actor in Oxford bringing to life the tales of the Brothers Grimm and so was familiar with the various stories: or so I thought. Of course, there were the familiar tales of Little Redcap , Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs , Rumpelstiltskin and Ashputtel , but nothing had prepared me for the delights that followed: look-alike husband-and-wife hedgehogs tricking a hare in a race, an unlikely mob of ageing animals warding off robbers, a magical donkey which produced gold, and a goose — made of gold itself. All charmed and intrigued. The Year 7 and 8 boys served up a veritable feast of weird and wonderful dishes, skilfully performed and intelligently crafted. Lighting and sound was used effectively, and one piece, Rumpelstiltskin , even received the silent film treatment — a live underscore from Devin Liu’s nimble fingers on the piano. Each and every piece demonstrated strong ensemble work, all responding to intelligent direction - from directors who themselves performed. Gilbert Edwards, for example, successfully captured the playfully menacing side of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs , whilst taking on the title role himself. What was particularly impressive was the application of skills the boys had clearly picked up during their time in Drama lessons. Each and every one of them were clear in their speech - articulate and supported, filling the theatre with their voices. Even Will Boyle could be heard through the unforgiving latex of a full-head cockerel mask. Physical theatre was on display throughout, from one individual committing to (and no doubt working through the pain of) the demands of a donkey on all fours, to an ensemble cleverly capturing a cluster of flowers growing in the forest. Not a dull moment was had and whilst of course, at the end of the evening, awards were presented, the stage was well and truly packed full of winners: Jacob and Wilhelm would have been proud!
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