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Reviews - Tuesday
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Midnight: an enthralling tale somewhere between Aladdin and Jackie Chan, telling the story of a young girl who wakes in a mysterious land.
Written by and starring the Lee family, it was everything one would expect. The general feel of the musical was ambient and chilled, which was reflected in the music by the on-stage orchestra. There was a real buzz factor in the musical with several cheeky and rather comical moments.
The cast did themselves justice and showed the talent there is here at Rugby School. Particular mentions to Titus English as 'Emperor' and Georgia Collis as 'Concubine' who were very impressive throughout the performance, projecting their voices well and really engaging with the audience.
There's not space to mention everyone, but however small their role in this musical there was a real and genuine sense that everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves. I enjoyed watching Midnight and look forward to seeing it again soon in the West End... watch this space!!
-- Harry Maxwell
"Was it real, or was it all just a dream?" This is the mystery behind Eunseog Lee's musical. Eunseog wrote the script, the music and the lyrics, and even performed; whilst Amy Collis directed. And together they made an impressive team, enchanting the audience in the 'midnight festival'.
The story focuses on a young girl named Cora, played by Connie Krarup, who is knocked unconscious and awakes to find herself in a magical world, where the emperor (Titus English) reveals his inner feelings and the priestess (Jenny Higgins) is bored of worshipping. These 'dolls' want to get Cora back to 'the other side', before she becomes one of them, but they all want to join her on this journey 'over the bridge', in order to find out what this other place, our world, is really like. The story is action-packed and full of emotion, not to mention the music. The band does a brilliant job; with Ben Hayes playing the bass guitar, Will Edwards playing percussion, Julian Roberts playing the flute and Richard Dunster-Sigtermans playing the keyboard. They worked well together and captured every moment of the story.
Overall, the musical is very enjoyable, makes everyone laugh and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats until the very last minute.
In the words of the director herself: "It was really enjoyable working with everyone and a great experience for all. Now we're waiting for Eunseog's West End debut!"
-- Rachel Barclay
"If you had an idea that was going to outrage society, would you keep it to yourself?" This was the timeless question that faced us as we congregated in the FLT. From holy holies, amens and hosannas to prehistoric marine creatures, Darwin on Trial investigated the controversial creationist vs. evolutionist argument. Commemorating the little known fact that Darwin's son walked the hallowed halls of Rugby, this dynamic drama featured an eclectic cast of both staff and students. The short sketch recreated the true story of Bert Cates' prosecution after his arrest for teaching the theory of evolution in Hillsboro, Tennessee, 1925. Ironically, the pious Pete Morris upheld Cates' beliefs about Evolution, whereas self-proclaimed atheist Tom Wiegman defended the theory of Creationism. The witnesses in the trial were school pupil Howard Meeker aka Hector Alexander and a convincingly nervous Sophie Boorman, who played Cates' girlfriend. The judge was played by Nick Fisher and the court recorder by Steve Orton. Cheesy Tennessee accents didn't fail to amuse as the shouting matches between Morris and Wiegman intensified. The memorable quote of the production had to be Pete Morris vociferating "What do you think of sex, Mr Brady?" to a harassed looking Tom Wiegman.
-- Eathar Shakweh and Jenny Cook
In the Art Schools, animals were lurking before and after. For one hour students from E- and F-block went to paint each other's faces. We started off by choosing what animal we wanted to be, and then paired up with a partner, and waited for the masterpiece (or otherwise!) to be created. We had a range of animals from pink-faced cats to butterflies. We started off by finding the base colour and then layered other colours on top of it, and then went on to the detail. Then the real animal in you came out! Everyone had a great time painting each other's faces, and some would say the 'animals' at the end looked better than when they first entered the jungle of the Art Schools. Thanks so much to Mrs Philips for organising this fun activity.
Well, they promised vulgar comments, drunken hooligans and sexy knights - and they certainly delivered! After a big entrance from the alchemists with their charmingly bright waistcoats and booming lines, we were lucky enough to meet the half-dead Geoffrey Chaucer himself, whose hair only Mr Fletcher could aspire to.
We were first thrown into the Pardoner's Tale where we met Tom, Dick, and Harry. They shocked us with their aggressive manner of threatening the audience and made us chuckle with their particularly slapstick deaths. The audience should also pay particular attention to the fabulous glasses and "that" wig that Jamie Couchman sports.
Then the delightful Wife of Bath (Izzy Ormiston) told her story about Sir Codsbrain and his quest. Again special attention should be paid to Jan Westad's eyebrows as he plays the infamous knight. Also credit must be given to King Arthur and his very forceful Queen.
Finally it was the Miller's Tale. This featured an amusing costume for Will Darby playing the dreary husband. There were also some very comic moments with heads and bums sticking out from behind curtains from Jeni Vinsome and Jamie Couchman who played the naughty couple.
I will leave you with one thing to look out for if you go to see this marvellous production: what exactly happens behind those curtains between Southfield Lxx and Michell E-Block?
-- Hannah McGrath
This year's production of Benjamin Britten's opera Noye's Fludde truly possessed something for everyone. From the magnificent performance of the orchestra to the fine work of the on-stage vocalists, this was an event that showcased the splendid array of talents on display at Rugby School. With audience participation in the singing of key hymns, there was always something to keep people entertained, and 113 children from local primary schools were highly amusing and disciplined in their roles as the animals of the ark. The roles of guest performers Frederick Long and Katie Bray in the main roles of Noye and his wife added some valuable experience to the performance, and at all times it felt like a slick and well-managed production. Significant credit for this must go to director Mr Fletcher, who even passed as a credible stagehand by managing to convert a pine tree into the mast of the ark, whilst the opera was in full flow! Mr Dunster-Sigtermans should also be lauded for his direction of the music, which was excellent throughout, as well as his best attempts to gee up the audience prior to the show in an impromptu hymn practice. All in all, this was a stunning production and one that encapsulated everything good about the Arts Festival.
-- Angus McIntyre
Highly Strung was a fantastic show of the classical talents a wide range of Rugby pupils have to offer. The audience was first of all delighted with a slow piece from the Ripieno Strings, followed by a more lively piece which allowed for undertones of the cello to contrast with the higher pitch of the violins which built up a pleasing tension. Then the Guitar Ensemble played a perfect piece for an exotic Summer's day, and despite still being in Rugby, the audience definitely felt the heat. The Saxophone Ensemble had a pupil-teacher integration with Mrs Hampton, Mr Eno and Mr Edwards all joining in for a rousing few pieces. Wonderful solos from Heidi Lough, Portia Chan, Charlotte von Schönfeld and Will Murphy were presented with enthusiasm and the senior strings finished the whole performance with Pachelbel's Canon. Despite not being particularly knowledgeable of music even I had an entertaining and relaxing time as I imagine did most of the audience whose enthusiastic clapping clearly showed their appreciation.
-- Olivia Derricott
The Fashion Society teamed up with Green Club to produce a creative and very enjoyable fashion show on Tuesday afternoon, following the theme of "Junk Yard". All the clothes were made from recycled material or vintage items produced from local charity shops. The designers put lots of obvious effort into their clothing, each one turning out to be a huge success. There were many varieties of materials used for the designs, ranging from curtains to sweet wrappers. We particularly enjoyed the fact that the theme of the show corresponded with the exhibition on in the gallery at that time. The models were very professional in the way that they walked down the catwalk, and did a fabulous job of showing off the clothes. The music and the short film added to the atmosphere and demonstrated how much effort had been put into the show by everyone involved. The clothes produced were all first-class and the models looked fantastic. We really enjoyed the event and wished it could have gone on longer.
-- Hebe Rut and Alice GearyThe revival of the Rugby School Fashion Show has been a much anticipated event, after its apparent extinction a few years ago. This year's Fashion Show - a collaboration between the Fashion Society and the Green Club - saw eleven designers work for four months to produce truly outstanding outfits based on the theme 'Junkyard'. The variety of cuts and designs were presented in the Lewis Gallery against a backdrop of paintings featuring felled trees. The various interpretations included stitched crisp packets and sweet wrappers; reworked vintage and recycled bags; papers and plastics in a kaleidoscope of creative design. Particularly outstanding were Emma Bradstreet's wrapper dress, and Hugo Rut's plastic bag and torn fabric designs. An innovative and exciting feat of artistic endeavour and a great credit to all those involved - definitely a not a show to be missed!
-- Ella Jackson
A Night at the Oscars combined language with culture, in a unique and original style that was new to the Arts Festival.
It was split into two halves: the first consisted of a variety of sketches including ones in French and Russian. We particularly enjoyed the French sketch starring Harriet Slater, Eva VandenBelt and Katherine Dauncey. There was a good balance of entertainment which was intertwined with an academic aspect. The Russian sketch enabled the younger members of the audience to familiarise themselves with a new language that could potentially be studied at A-level.
The second half of the evening was predominately an educational discussion. We were shown clips from two contrasting films, each portraying Paris in a different light. Amélie illustrates a more civilised aspect of Paris which is more attractive to the viewer, whereas La Haine demonstrates the life of the working class in the suburbs of Paris. We thought that the group discussion worked well as it enabled different participants to express their points of view about the effectiveness of the representation of life in Paris.
Overall the evening was an enjoyable and interesting experience which everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy.
-- Jameela Akhtar and Sophie Sheach
Plunged into darkness at the beginning of the one-act play, I thought 'Black Comedy' was perhaps a more literal title than I had previously assumed. I was subsequently relieved when the lights came up - or perhaps not, if you were one of the characters in Peter Shaffer's light-hearted comedy, set largely in darkness during a lengthy (and inappropriately timed) power cut. Central character Brindsley Miller (Will Murphy) is awaiting the arrival of George Bamberger (Toby Carver), a multi-millionaire German art collector, and his formidable future father-in-law, Colonel Melkett (Alex Colville). Whom he is rather not awaiting is his precious-mannered neighbour Miss Furnivall (Georgie Hanbury), returning home prematurely and from whom he has slyly borrowed some furniture. Nor his ex-girlfriend Clea (Abi Ribbans), who portrays Brindsley's housekeeper until overhearing his plans to marry Carol Melkett (Ellie Parkes) forces her to reveal her true identity and expose Miller's devious ways. Confusion and indeed comedy ensue as Brindsley is joined by a host of colourful characters, two of whom - Harold Gorringe (Barny Elmhirst) and Schuppanzigh (Tristram Hobson) - must be accredited for their remarkable accents. In all, a thoroughly enjoyable, highly amusing play - surely one not to miss at this year's Arts Festival.
-- Harriet Manson
Double Bill is a combination of two A-level performances which demonstrate the acting ability and interpretive skills of Rugby School's Lxx dramatists.
'Watermelon Boats' examines episodes in the lives of two friends growing up together, and the effect age has on their relationship and their outlook on life. The strong performances given by Alesha Sethia and Emily Wilson brought to life the characters of Kate and Kitty, convincingly expressing the pressures in the two American girls' lives. The simple yet symbolic use of the childhood swing throughout the performance provides a safe permanence in this realistic portrayal, which proves that it is not the end which is important - that in reality "the trick is the journey".
Abi Ribbans and Hugh Johnson-Gilbert's emotionally charged performance of 'Hang Up' explores the importance of truth, betrayal, trust and lies in a relationship strained by distance. The innovative use of space and the superb characterisation make this a compelling performance which explores the nature of fidelity and commitment in relationships. Both performances are memorable and are certainly worth seeing!
-- Ella Jackson
The Macready Theatre, usually a site of spectacular performances both lavish and exciting, was instead this afternoon commandeered by a rather less rehearsed performance of Animal Farm. Despondently, the audience shuffled in to take their magenta seats, and mockingly surveyed the projector before them. Many a student pondered his or her inability to choose something worth seeing, i.e getting hold of the elusive password before the Fashion Show was booked out, and sighed with regret. However, a powerful and poignant film awaited them, and if maturity hadn't deserted certain members of the Lxx (bogies indeed), perhaps one or two may have learnt something: an insight into the communist regime of Stalin; a media lesson in Technicolor animation at its finest; even an opportunity to examine one's own opinion on society and legislature. As it is, I believe the cunning satire of the piece, or even the blatant propaganda of its message, was lost upon the audience who instead chuckled at the revolutionary song, comparing it not with desperate, oppressed peasants, but instead with the warm up of the school's choral society. The house was cleared before the credits had begun to roll, and the moral of the story was very much lost, but at least the Macready was well ventilated.
-- Sophie Boorman
