On Monday 8 June, every pupil in Year 7 donned costumes and wigs and took to the stage to perform Roald Dahl’s classic, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Friends, family, staff and fellow pupils filled out the Tithe Barn, and the performers had a full audience eagerly anticipating their show.
The pupils had cleverly manipulated the space in the Tithe Barn, creating a giant bed in the centre of the room for the four grandparents, as well as a stage covered in giant sweets - complete with giant lollipops and marshmallows hanging from the ceiling - to serve as the Chocolate factory. George Hinton took the reins for lighting, designing outstanding lighting for the piece and throwing the audience into the topsy-turvy world of Willy Wonka.
Each and every boy held no reservations as they fully embraced their characters, and there were several stand-out performances. Zack Kennedy and Ben Ferguson gave a particularly note-worthy performance as Willy Wonka, with all the flair and typical flamboyance synonymous with the eccentric chocolatier. Kai O’Hare did a superb job of narrating the play, impressing the audience with the sheer amount of lines he’d managed to learn in such a short period of time.
Whilst the Shiplake dramatists are no strangers to donning wigs and ladies clothes, Monty Greenaway gave a comedic portrayal of both Mrs Gloop and Mrs Beauregarde, tottering around in heels and a tight fitting skirt and hamming it up with German and American accents. George Lucas and Ben Willis impressed audiences in a similar vein; assuming the role of Veruca Salt between them, they characterised the spoilt girl by stamping their feet and screeching. Sylvester Sutherland took on the role of Grandpa Joe, having sprayed his hair grey and remaining stooped. Will Lovatt and Ben Thornborough did not disappoint, playing the humble and kind-hearted Charlie Bucket to perfection.
Every Year 7 pupil was required to participate in the evening in one form or another; if not a budding thespian, help was much appreciated with the lighting, set, seating and welcoming of guests.
Miss Jenny Unwin said of the event that ‘there was excellent line learning by all and some hilarious, captivating performances. The inventive use of physical theatre was instrumental in giving the play the fantastical edge that we all know and love in the book. A special thank you to Nicola Sutherland, whose assistance with the set and costume helped to make the play a smash success.’
