Abigail’s Party

In order to widen our experiences of modern drama for our A Level English synoptic paper, we went to see ‘Abigail’s Party’ by Mike Leigh at the Greenwich Theatre. Mrs Worth had told us that the play was a light-hearted, humorous play, highlighting the disparity between social classes and exposing the pretensions of modern life in the 1970’s, so we were not quite sure what to expect!

Firstly, we were surprised to discover that although the title is ‘Abigail’s Party’, which suggests that some of the scenes at least would involve this event; as we drew to the second half of the play, we realised that the party would never actually be evident; it was purely the catalyst for bringing the characters together. Abigail’s Party is a constant jab at the older guests of Beverley and Lawrence of how their youth has slipped away, no matter how hard Beverley tries to inject life and fun into her own small gathering. The sudden death which ends Beverley’s party shocked us all, bringing together a potent mix of emotions in a witty, hilarious way.

As members of the audience, we found the play both gripping and entertaining, with the acting powerful and lifelike. However, although everyone was laughing, sometimes it felt awkward to watch as there was a sense of claustrophobia due to the confined space of the action and the build up of tension between the characters.

Overall, we had a brilliant evening and look forward to our next A Level theatre trip-please!!

Katie Adams and Sahar Khan U6

Journey’s End

On the evening of Thursday 8th November, a group of Year 10 and 11 went to see the moving play ‘Journey’s End’ for our English Literature studies.

As the theatre was very small and intimate, we got a sense of the claustrophobic dug-outs and felt more involved.

No-one could help but be moved by the hardships and relationships of the characters.
Although some aspects were not as we imagined, the overall play was great and reinforced the importance of Remembrance Day.

Annabel Hentall-MacCuish, 11T

The play reminds us of the harrowing reality of war, especially given that it is a time when we remember those lost in the war. The play helped us to visualise the characters and the setting and it was a helpful trip. We would like to thank the English Department for giving us the opportunity to see this poignant play.

Sophie, Eloise, Natasha, 11T

‘War Horse’
National Theatre

On Thursday 31st January, a group of Years 9, 10 and 11 from Drama went to see the production of “War Horse.” Using life-size horse puppets, very loud gunshots and the story of the Great War, the production gave us surprises that startled us to the very end. The story of Albert and his horse, Joey, brought tears to our eyes when he was reunited with his friend at the end of the Great War. This production was such a wonderful opportunity for the Drama group and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for something to inspire them.

By Fiona Johnston 9T

There were many gun shots which made us all jump out of our seats and the lighting and projection were very effective. The scenery was simple yet successful. The horses were structured well and were controlled by people inside the frame.

By Ceylan, Jacqueline and Rhona 9T

What made ‘War Horses’ come alive was the talented actors, the realistic puppets and the sound effects; both quiet and loud! It was such a heart-warming show; we have to admit that most of us ended up crying!

By Kelsey Plumpton and Beth Thompson, 9T

War horse is based on the book by Michael Morpurgo. Many of us had heard so much about the show and were very excited to see it. There were very high expectations and I am very happy to say that the show more than exceeded them.

Hannah Hedges, 9S

This is a very interesting and moving play which I would recommend. Thank you to Miss Bliss, Mrs Dunckley and Mrs Worth for taking us to see this play.

Freya Templeman-Jonas, 9S

A Night to Remember

When I was told by my English teacher that we were going to see “Bent” a shocking and controversial play by Martin Sherman as part of our A Level English studies, I could never have imagined what an effect it would have on me. I think it was a mixture of one of the most sad, disturbing and thought provoking plays I have ever seen. To me, it was made even more horrific by the fact that the action is based on real historical events and not just the creation of the writer’s imagination.

I had my own ideas as to what the play might contain; however they were nothing compared to the extremity that this production had to offer. Could this be that I am naïve to the reality of the past? I’m not too sure. I think there are very few people of my age who have gained the insight into the world of Nazi Germany that we did that evening.

The performance will stay with me for a long time and it has definitely broadened my horizons and taught me to realise the sufferings that many people go through just because they appear to be “different.” It also makes me thankful for the fact that I was born into a generation and place where we are free to be whoever we want to be and where people are not punished as inhumanely as they were in the time the play was set.

Katie Adams UV1S

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