Writes Cheryl Clarke, Director of Drama
This week, Drama Scholars went on an exciting trip to see the highly acclaimed West End production of OLIVER! at The Gielgud Theatre. The trips are always a great opportunity for boys across all seven school year groups to bond; this time, attendees included new Third Formers Ralph H. and Albie L. right the way up to U6, Alex E., star of numerous plays, competitions and musicals in his time at Taylors’.
Harry P. (Fifth Form Drama Scholar), decided to update those back at Sandy Lodge along the way, with comments reminiscent of young Oliver’s reflections in Who Will Buy when he steps outside Mr Brownlow’s house in London and revels in the sights and sounds of the city:
Best trip of my life! Having so much fun, the weather is lovely and the streets smell delicious!
And again, during the interval:
The show is amazing – you should have come!
Bringing Dickens’ ever-popular story to life, the Drama Scholars were encouraged to think about effective theatrical choices in terms of both acting and design. The boys will no doubt have picked up valuable tips from the professionals in advance of the next Joint Senior Musical auditions coming up in April.
Thank you to Mr Talboys, Mrs Lemoine and Mr Gimmi for taking the boys on the trip.
A few of our younger Drama Scholars reviewed their experience below.
Zach G. (4ths), writes:
At the Gielgud Theatre, the scene was set with a massive rotating stage. We settled into our seats, eagerly awaiting the performance. And what a performance it was!
The opening number was ‘Food, Glorious Food’, and it was glorious! We watched in awe at the brilliant singing and the top-notch choreography, and as it went on, it only got better. The performance had everything – a bit of comedy, a bit of tragedy, and everything in between. It was a brilliant musical, and I will remember it for a long time.
Evy A. (U3rds) writes:
Our dramatic trip to Oliver was extraordinary! After an eventful journey there, we finally reached the Gielgud Theatre. What I really appreciated about the show was the set design – it was very clever, and there were probably over 10 different sets for different places. The stage was revolving, which is a great way to change the scene to a different setting, and there were stairs and balconies on each side of the stage. They managed to convey where they were with using mainly a bridge, which was decorated on both sides: when the stage turned, the bridge would turn as well, so the design of the bridge suited where they were. I also loved the relationship between the actors and the audience, as there was a lot of humour, especially around the character Fagin. Overall, it was a brilliant production!
Albie L., (3rds) writes:
Wow. What a performance. After a long journey – where only one boy dropped his phone down the railway on the tube – we were excited to get there. The well-known songs were sung beautifully and the whole structure of the dancing was set out well, using the entire stage. The music really made me feel at some points; whether it was sad (As Long as He Needs Me) or happy (You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two), it was great. Some of the stage mechanics also intrigued me, such as the stage turning like a clock and the structures being able to move in and out of the set. Thank you to Ms Clarke for organising this!
