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| Music, Drama & Art |
Joseph
”All I need is an hour or two, to tell the tale of a dreamer like you.
We all dream a lot some are lucky, some are not, but if you think it, want it, dream it, then it's real, you are what you feel. But all that I say can be told another way in the story of a boy whose dream came true…” In our version of Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat performed on May 26th 2011, the dazzling colourful coat was proudly worn by Joseph Dugas S1Y who was supported by a strong cast made up of pupils from Form 4, Form 5 and S1. Members of Form 5 directed by Mrs Wortley admirably provided the chorus to tell the story of Jacob and his Sons. There were more than eleven stars that night as the Brothers shined with clarity and enthusiasm whilst selling Joseph to the angelic Ishamaelites (Chloe James, Fiona Simpson and Isabelle Underwood Form 4). Once the smoke had cleared from Joseph’s prison cell The Pharaoh King (Oliver Blackman S1X) and his Butler (Amy Van Zyl S1X) leapt onto the stage and entertained everyone with an amusing Elvis style dance whilst explaining his crazy dreams. Joseph’s youngest Brother Benjamin (Maisie Ryan S1Y) was accused of stealing yet acted a perfect portrayal of innocence in front of all of his Brothers. Joseph then swapped his glittering golden Pharaoh coat for his multicoloured cloak symbolising the rekindled honesty between the family. Without the aid of his walking stick energised Jacob (Euan Tebbutt S1X) was proud to return to a reunited family which led into a colourful rendition of the finale song “Any Dream Will Do”. If you don’t have a dream, how can you have a dream come true? |
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Wire Works
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Hoodwinked!
The eagerly-awaited Form 3 play was performed at the end of term with a cast of 47 characters under the direction of Mrs Kirkpatrick, Miss Molyneux and Mrs Wortley. As the title suggests 'Hoodwinked' was set in Nottingham and Sherwood Forest and played out the traditional conflict between the oppressive Sheriff and the people's champion, Robin of Loxley. In the end the elegant ladies in Maid Marian's entourage, the greedy friars, the citizens, guards and peasants all united against the Sheriff and rejoiced in the union of Robin and Marian - but not until a great many one-liners had been expertly delivered.
This was a musical production with enthusiastic singing and dancing from all members of the cast, as well as some clearly voiced verse narration. With lighting and sound support from older pupils, the Form 3s gave the audience a very entertaining and enjoyable evening. Well done!
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Youth Speaks
Was it really a year ago that the determined band of competitors with supporting parents in tow took Ashby by storm at the 2010 public speaking event? In November we sat in the lecture theatre at Ashby School, reminiscing about memorable occasions from the event last year and almost managed to keep away the nerves. I sometimes think that the parents and staff are more anxious than the competitors. We had two senior teams this year: an all-new team comprising Katherine Abbott, Lucy Sharpe and Harry Marven, who talked about the right of celebrities to privacy, and last year's team of Lily Bird, Will Allen and Will Jackson talking about preparation for life. The intermediate team comprising Charlotte Baum, Ben Parkes and Elliot Towlson spoke about modern heroes. This year's competition was of an extremely high standard. Any of the teams in this first round would have been able to cope at the more difficult later stages and it was no surprise when the judges took a long time to reach their decision. The final result was second place for Lily, Will and Will and third for Katherine, Lucy and Harry in the senior section. Charlotte, Ben and Elliot gained second place in the intermediate competition.
The judges decided to send two senior teams to the next round and so Lily and the Wills will compete again at Leicester Grammar School in January. Last year they missed the Great Britain final by one point and are keen to improve on that result, so we look forward to some keen competition. Huge congratulations to all the teams who showed such courage and determination. It is a tremendous achievement to speak in public using the minimum of notes and they all performed to an exceptional standard on the evening.
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A Wartime Christmas
It was unusual to hear the voice of Neville Chamberlain solemnly announcing the outbreak of war with Germany at the start of a Christmas concert, but this was no ordinary concert. Through a series of tableaux, monologues, poems and songs the children explored what it meant to celebrate Christmas under the shadow of war. The newly-formed Form 4 drama club performed short pieces drawing attention to rationing, 'making do', huddling in air-raid shelters during the Blitz and the sorrow of separation, all of which seemed much more poignant at a time of traditional family celebration. In two torch monologues they recalled the wartime memories of an elderly woman. The Christmas truce of 1914 was also remembered in a reading describing the exchange of greetings between British and German soldiers, followed by the haunting carol 'Silent Night'. A group of S1 boys gave a very accomplished and amusing performance of Benjamin Zephaniah's 'Talking Turkeys'. The senior choir contributed some of the uplifting songs made famous by Vera Lynn with the audience joining in the choruses. The children of Form 5 also sang some wartime songs with patriotic gusto. The stage was filled at the end of the concert for a rousing 'We wish you a merry Christmas' accompanied by the fluttering of Union Jacks and the doffing of flat caps. Our thanks to all the performers for an excellent evening's entertainment under the direction of Mrs Wortley and Mrs Garbett.
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