On Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 May, L5 Drama pupils presented four fantastically different plays that each group had been working on over the Lent term. On the Wednesday the evening kicked off with ‘Confusions’ by Alan Aykbourn, from which we saw two of the original five one-act plays; Gosforth’s Fete and A Talk In The Park. The plays were vastly different from one another yet were linked by the common themes of loneliness and relationships. The cast performed the subtleties of the everyday characters with great care and attention to detail, with fantastic comic timing. This was followed by ‘Bright Young Things’ by Georgie Christon. The play was set around a television talent show where young contestants competed to be the brightest young thing. As the play progressed the audience learnt more about each contestant, showing moments of real depth as well as humor, over the top characters and theatricality. The cast created a well-crafted journey for the audience with their multi-rolling and portrayal of different and big characters. On Thursday the night began with ‘Jump For Your Life’ by Ken Whitmore. The play saw young Frederick played by Tom Booth, and his troupe of makeshift actors trying to convince us, the audience, to jump in the air in 30 minutes time. The cast multi-rolled throughout and delivered a highly convincing performance filled with breaking the fourth wall, direct address, over the top characters and comedy, which resulted in the audience all jumping in the air! The night ended with A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness and Siobhan Dowd. The play told the story of Connor, played by Joseph Ladbrooke, a boy who is visited by a monster in the form of a Yew tree when his mother is dying of cancer. The cast used physical theatre, multi-rolling and strong characterisation to move the audience swiftly through every setting and experience as well as embracing the use of lighting and sound to bring this vivid theatrical experience to The Blake Studio.

Dance theatre captures narrative and storytelling through the movement of the body, drama and theatrical devices to create an unforgettable experience and, Voices from Mariupol was certainly a stunning example of creativity, shared experiences and capturing the voice of a community. Created, choreographed and designed by Uliana Bielova as her Independent project - a pupil led initiative that forms part of the 6th form experience, the production invited the coming together of the displaced Ukrainian community and saw the spirit of this community and their shared experiences. Working with a skilled cast of L4-L6, Uliana created a story of the city of Mariupol before and during the war; the vibrancy of a city full of life turned to rubble by the bombardment of the Russian forces. Dedicated to her grandfather, the Captain of the seaport of Mariupol, the choreography captured stories, relationships and the collective determination to rise again that is felt by Uliana and was clearly shared by the audience. It was one of the most poignant and impactful theatrical experiences that has been created for an IP project and highlighted the creative ability and passion that Uliana was determined to share. A truly special performance and one that will live long in the memories of all who were lucky to be in the room when it happened.  Voices from Mariupol was a triumph and the cast and creative director should be congratulated.