By Charlotte Wyndham, Norwich School Drama/English Teacher
In November, during the midst of the school musical, I embarked on a journey to Narnia... in other words, I began rehearsals for the Maddermarket's Christmas production of 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'!
It was during last summer I noticed that the Maddermarket were auditioning for this production. Since leaving university and becoming a teacher, I have not had the opportunity (or possibly time) to commit to acting, particularly as my primary focus is directing. I love performing and acting and thought that this would allow me the opportunity to indulge in my passion, as well as remind me of what it is like to be 'on the other side'; empathising with pupils I have directed and spent many a rehearsal with. I decided to audition and was very pleased to be given the part of 'Mrs Beaver'.
I'll be honest...rehearsals were full on; there were only 4 weeks of rehearsals before opening night! The process was demanding and all cast members were required most evenings. The production was also very technical and therefore (as many of you will have experienced) there were a few technical glitches! The set and costumes were magnificent and inspiring and really helped to bring such a magical story to life. My costume in particular was interesting (to say the least!); fur trousers which were incredibly wide and very padded, fur gloves, a hat fitted with Beaver ears, not forgetting a prosthetic nose which had to be glued onto my face before every performance!
The run lasted for 18 performances over two weeks of the Christmas break and was the longest show run I have ever been a part of. I felt incredibly proud and an overwhelming sense of achievement knowing that every show had sold out and that for every show the cast and myself were performing to a full house.
I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the production and I am so pleased that I auditioned; I definitely hope to be a part of a future Maddermarket production - that said, I have a dance show coming up at the Theatre Royal in May which I am currently rehearsing for! T
This experience has proved to me, as well as reminded me, of the commitment and focus Norwich School pupils put into their co-curricular hobbies and passions - whether it be sport, music, drama or anything else. It is possible to indulge in your passions whilst learning or working and one should be proud of these extra achievements - I certainly am.