The Autumn Term’s senior drama production, Homeless, proved a real hit last month with three sold-out performances in the Tithe Barn theatre. The show, a variation of which was taken by Shiplake pupils to Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, gave audience members a vivid and at times shocking insight into life on the streets.
Upon arrival, the audience were greeted by cast members already in character, playing their own part in the authentic set. The Tithe Barn foyer had been transformed into a run-down park, with trees, benches and graffiti completing the look. Actors were found sleeping rough, busking, making illegal business dealings or generally looking miserable. The side classroom became St Anne’s soup kitchen. Soup was served to the audience in polystyrene cups during the interval by Jamal Springer-Lynch who was acting as a volunteer worker. Sleeping bags were also available to rent.
The production took on a serious plotline surrounding a vulnerable community of young people. However, there were several brilliant touches of humour to lighten the mood. Anton Renouf played a funny but unpopular estate agent. His controversial opinions and inappropriate behaviours caused quite a stir, especially when he remarked that “homeless people on the street only have themselves to blame”. Angus Meldrum played a timid community support officer who encountered several problems with the homeless gang. At the height of his struggle, he had his trousers stolen leaving him a little embarrassed on stage.
Other highlights of the show included accappella singing by Jordan Gibson, Katie Webster, Ruaridh Sheppard and Eliska Zaharova, while Year 12 pupil Rebecca Robinson provided a magnificent operatic accompaniment to a dark assault scene. The majority of the 15-strong cast were GCSE or A Level Drama students, with Conor Cummings, James Hargreaves, Finn Arbuckle, Albert Rydevik and Harry Ibbitson joining the names mentioned above. The group also benefitted from the support of Ollie Riley and Sam Ryder-Smith, who do not study Drama but have a passion for performing. Sam even incorporated his own musical talent by playing the part of a busker.
Drama teacher Miss Unwin commented: “The show was really popular and I have received several emails from parents and visitors with extremely positive feedback. The money raised from ticket sales amounted to over £700, all of which will be donated to Launcpad, Reading’s biggest homeless shelter.”
More photos from the production can be viewed in our media gallery.
