It is not for the faint hearted when nine-year-olds take on Shakespearian productions, but on the evening of 7th February 2024 a packed Blake studio saw L3 pupils tackle two of the Bard’s biggest challenges: a double bill of ‘The Scottish Play’, followed by Romeo and Juliet.
L3W performed the darkly atmospheric tragedy, Macbeth. To the backdrop of an atmospheric slideshow of spooky castles, the weird sisters cackled, gory swords were drawn in battle, the drunken porter staggered through the audience, daggers floated, a pallid ghost feasted, and inevitably much blood was spilled (with much relish, of course). The performance of the courageous but doomed eponymous hero and a haunting portrayal of Lady Macbeth’s descent into mental instability and suicide were both masterful, and special mention must go to the severed head of Macbeth that brought audience gasps. Mr Worton congratulated his class on a faultlessly slick production full of eerie menace and breathtaking action.
From the nomadic Birnam Wood and slaughter at Dunsinane Hill action then moved to sunny Verona in the second half, with L3G ambitiously taking on the tragic romance Romeo and Juliet. The production was a satisfying juxtaposition of Montague vs Capulet fight scenes (enhanced by Wimbledon-style grunts with each blade strike) and the tender romance of the famous love scenes acted with great tenderness and accomplishment by both leading actors. A few hilariously OTT wigs and quite a few giggles along the way contributed to making this a thoroughly entertaining and mesmerising production. Miss Gillard felt there was much to be proud of in our young thespians’ performances, as she reflected that they had all worked so hard to master the complexities of their Shakespearian lines.
Inevitably, the show closed with a riotous dance / sing-along in honour of the Bard to the accompaniment of wild applause from our supportive audience, as the cast reflected on their enjoyment of an utterly memorable night.
It was most pleasing to see every pupil in this talented year group having parts to play and the camaraderie, enthusiasm and palpable enjoyment was clear for all parents in the audience to see.
