On Thursday 8 December, in front of a packed-out Tithe Barn Theatre, our Year 8 pupils put on a magnificent show filled with humour, music, and spectacular acting in their production of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Directed by Head of Drama, Mrs Farrell, and assisted by Miss Griffiths and Ms Davies, our Year 8 pupils turned hours of practice and run throughs into a performance to be remembered.
Speaking after the performance, Mrs Farrell said:
“Working on Jack and the Beanstalk with Year 8 this year has been an absolute joy. Casting the show was a tremendously difficult process as so many of this cohort are extraordinarily talented, and there just weren't enough parts to showcase the talent that they all have. What it did mean though was that we had a top-notch principal cast who treated this production like young professionals.
Committed and working hard every week in rehearsal, furiously learning their lines and the best bit, for me, was that they each contributed funny creative ideas to consistently improve the piece and make it even more enjoyable for the audience.
Our chorus members also worked hard each week with Miss Griffiths, learning and practising their number, and it was great to see all of them on stage together.
I have not ever worked on a Lower School production that has been quite so enjoyable and stress-free due to the dedication and commitment of the cast. I cannot wait to see what this group can bring to house drama next term and indeed our whole school production next year.”
In this performance, the following pupils were cast for their respective roles:
- Albie Ball - Jack
- James Martin - Dame Trot
- Luke Leamon - Giant Blunderbore
- O Taylor Coombes - Slimeball
- Will Hunt - Edena the Eco Fairy
- Pav Grewal - Princess Demelza
- Luka Suyatin - King Bertram
- Daniel Wray - Simple Simon
- Charlie Cooper - Trumpet 1
- James Weeks - Trumpet 2
- Seb Lee - Sarge
- Ollie Griffin - Smith
- Zac Saunders - Jones
- Harry Biggs - Chetwyn-Douglas-Scott
- George Ault - Daisy the Cow
- Flynn Burrow - Daisy the Cow
Well done to everyone who got involved and put on a wonderful display. To echo Mrs Farrell’s words above, we can’t wait to see what you will all bring to drama at Shiplake during your time here!
Please enjoy highlights video below which captures the wonderful performance:
