With a busy programme of school and touring productions, the Stahl Theatre has already seen three productions in the first six weeks.
Kirkeby House girls launched the season with a terrific performance of Second Person Narrative, a new play by Jemma Kennedy. Kennedy was commissioned to write the play by Tonic Theatre Company as a response to the lack of roles for girls in plays for young people, and this made it a perfect script for Millie Tusa (K) and the girls from Kirkeby to work with. The spirited ensemble of performers, ably lead by Mia Derrick (K) as You, took the audience on a funny, challenging emotional journey through the life of one woman, from cradle to grave.
With recognisable episodes, from school photos and childhood dreams to introducing a new boyfriend to the family, the audience were enthralled in the whirlwind narrative. Millie was able to bring together the series of brief, episodic vignettes into one cohesive and memorable whole.
But sometimes one play is just not enough, and after the curtain had fallen on Second Person Narrative, it was time for Homemade Fusion to take to the stage in a double bill. Homemade Fusion is a contemporary song cycle by rising stars of the musical theatre scene Kooman and Dimond. It is a hilarious look at life, love and chocolate bars in New York City and was expertly performed by Sixth Form pupils.
Will Slinger (B) and Sophie Lee (L) gave wonderfully witty performances in ‘The Temp and the Receptionist’ whilst Charlie Willis (L) and Sophie Honor (W) brought great emotional weight to their passionate ballads, Lost in the Waves and Breathe. With musical direction and direction from the now familiar duo of pupil Alex Hill (C) and Music Fellow, James Thomas (who previously collaborated on The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Les Miserables and The Wind in the Willows), it was an evening of musical precision, reflection and laughter.
Finally, just before the half term break it was the turn of Laundimer House to perform before packed audiences at the Stahl with Wilde’s quintessentially English comedy The Importance of Being Ernest. Oscar Wilde is famed for his quick quips and verbal jousting - not an easy linguistic style even for the most experienced of actors to get to grips with, however Ed Samuelson (Ldr) and Josh Shepherd-Smith (Ldr) triumphed as Algernon and Ernest respectively, expertly sparring and revealing the ever-increasingly complex plot. As director, Axi Hobill (Ldr) created moments of superb physical comedy which brilliantly supported Wilde’s genius writing.
Perhaps the most memorable moment of all however, was Lady Bracknell’s first appearance… in a wheelchair. Hugo Meynell (L) gave great dignity and gravitas to this iconic role, perhaps only enhanced by his impressive chariot. With fine female performances by Sophie Lee (L), Phoebe Legard (Sn) and Iris Cecil (W), this really was an evening as delicious and satisfying as a plate of cucumber sandwiches and a cup of tea.