54
Aluredian
and we had only the finest. Messrs Webb,
Walker, Smyth, Brooksbank, and a versatile
cast of supporting players were on hand to
bring across Dr Lewis' vision of the classic tale.
After weeks of intensive rehearsals and a
workshop with theatrical experts in Bristol, the
show was ready, all the edges smoothed and
the lighting, props, characterisation … nothing
could go wrong. So, at a world première / trial
performance in King's own theatre, we trod the
boards for the first time. The atmosphere was,
to use a cliché, electric, and was an omen for
only good things in Weston. Days later, off we
set on an adventure of dramatic proportions.
To Weston-super-Mare …
We arrived early, and set up for a dress
rehearsal with an audience, just to test
reactions. All boxes were ticked, and we all
delved into some pompous actor-like routines
and discussions in preparation. Carpe diem, as
they say. And so the show began.
The first group of schools performed to great
effect, raising the bar high and making us
nervous. Quite right, too. Everyone needs a
challenge for motivation and finest quality. We
slipped into simplistic costumes (why elaborate
when you've the nitty-gritty down to a T?) and
stepped out into the great unknown. Of, um,
the stage. So, the performance progressed, our
fine director snapped up the best moments of
the performance on camera as ever, and we
brought the house down by the play's
conclusion with what can only be called a
standing ovation.
This just goes to show the amount of time and
effort by the cast, the 'techies', who always
deserve high praise, and of course the
wonderful and energetic Dr Lewis. Let's see
what the future brings in our collaboration with
a worthy cause, namely the SSF.
A
fter the development of the
idea during the Summer
term of 2008, that
Michaelmas term a group of
budding thespians in the 4th
and 5th form embarked on
the performance of a lifetime. Again, director
Brian Lewis took the helm on what was to be
King's debut at the Shakespeare Schools
Festival, a nationwide initiative to perform
Shakespeare at venues across the country.
We had decided to choose the whimsical
tragedy The Winter's Tale, written towards the
end of Shakespeare's life - a tale of jealousy,
murder, revenge and redemption. A lighthearted
folly this was not. With subject matter
this heavy, a great deal of talent was required -
The Winter's Tale
by Oscar Harding