Term 1 saw the Class 8 productions of the Shakespeare plays, Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The 8 Uppers performed Twelfth Night last week to rousing applause that was very well earned indeed. Katherine Connolly, who taught and directed with Drama Assistant Andrew Vagg, was struck immediately with the boldness of some of the players.

They trod the stage and brought to life such wonderful characters as the twins Viola and Sebastian, confused and lost and navigating the environment and quirky characters in Illyria. Duke Orsino, Countess Olivia, the very drunken Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew as well as the fool Feste and Maria the maid all combined to make a confusing tale of love both unrequited and fulfilled. Lastly, but not least by any means, the character of Malvolio had the crowd in tears of laughter and he himself had been pranked by the jokesters of the household. There were extraordinary singing performances by individuals and the whole cast which left a tear in the eye of many. A wonderful play, well told by 8 Upper under the guidance of Katherine Connolly.

Just this week, the 8 Lowers performed the mystical, dreamlike and very comical, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. They did this under the assured guidance of Amanda Sykes with Andrew Vagg assisting. The confusing quests for love of the main characters Lysander, Demetrius, Helena and Hermia are caused by the mischievous pranking and folly of Puck, who is one of the cheekiest of the woodfolk. The height of the drama and the comedy is reached when Hermia and Helena argue fiercely, all the while Nick Bottom who is one of the workers that wants so desperately to put on a play for the Duke and Duchess has been enchanted as a donkey and is being wooed by Titania, Queen of the forest fairies herself. It sounds as unlikely as it is and then all is put right by Puck after a firm scolding. The play concludes with the tragic love story of Thisbe and Pyramus, tragic deaths and silly string and much laughter. A beautiful musical rendition was performed by the fairies and Titania which was very impressive. Nick Bottom performing as both a donkey and as Pyramus brought the crowd to tears of laughter.

A wonderful season we had with the bard, learning about Shakespeare’s life and times while in Drama, his stories were brought to life once again.

Well done to Class 8 for their wonderful renditions of such extraordinary plays.