Bloxham’s first House Drama Competition in forty years went down a storm with its hugely enthusiastic audience
On Friday 27th February, Bloxham hosted its first Inter-House Drama Competition in forty years, with each House putting forward a ten-minute group performance in the style of the Off Balance Theatre Company and a Shakespeare monologue.’
All plays were acted and directed by the students themselves and each performance was followed by hearty applause from the enthusiastic audience of students and staff. Judging on the night was recognised TV and stage star, Andrew Knott, who’s impressive list of experience includes appearing in the stage show and film of The History Boys.’
Before the night’s performances kicked off, Mr Brassington had a fascinating interview with Andrew on stage, giving all those present an insight into Andrew’s motivations behind his career in acting and his proudest experiences to date. Andrew talked about how stage acting has always been his passion, as he enjoys the buzz that comes before a show and is driven by the adrenalin. He explained how his acting career began when he was still a child, including a role in the film adaptation of The Secret Garden, and how this gave him confidence within his own life. He described his proudest achievement to date as being his role in the stage show of The History Boys, starring alongside James Corden and Dominic Cooper, which then went on to be made into a hit film.
Then began the Inter-House Competition! Excitement mounted and the first act took to the stage. During the course of the evening we enjoyed:
Crake Monologue: Alex Lane performing Benedict, Much Ado About Nothing ‘Direction: Will Brodey’
Wilberforce Group: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Cast:’Lizzie Neal, Amelia Hagan, Abi Rosser, Georgie Pratten, India Willes, Clare Holding, Emma Brodey, Emma Boynton ‘Direction: Emma’Boynton, Clare Holding ‘Technical: Frankie Poole
Raymond Monologue: Emily Chamberlain performing Arial, The Tempest ‘Direction: Abbie Oram
Seymour Group: Shrek
Cast: Kit Woodhouse, Johnny Graham, Sam Deeley, Monty Ng, Caven Wagstaff, George Rigby, Charlie Gulliver, Bertie Fisher, Charlie Tredwell, Andrew Smith ‘Direction: Bertie Fisher Technical: Michael Warriner Musician: Luca Moore
Egerton Monologue: Ben Keyser performing Brother, King John ‘Direction: Max Langer
Wilson Group: Lion King
Cast: Alex Gray, George Speakman, Oliver Brown, Alex Brown, Tristan Hunt, Toby Steele ‘Direction: Oliver Thomas Technical: Will Reynolds
Seymour Monologue: Caven Wagstaff performing Puck, A Midsummer Night’s Dream ‘Direction: Bertie Fisher
Egerton Group: Finding Nemo
Cast:’Sam Flower, Ben Keyser, Wilf Stoddart, George Upfield, Tom Jennings ‘Direction: Hugh Johnston, Max Langer Technical: Hugh Johnston, Gus Dalla Mura, Freddie Morel Musician: Laban Leake
Wilson Monologue: Oli Thomas performing Macbeth, Macbeth
Crake Group: Frozen
Cast:’Jamie Marshall, Ed Whitfield, Rex Money, Jake Dew, Paul Calleja-Jones, Harry Rymer, Nick Von Sydow ‘Direction: Charlie Morris Technical: James Parker, Leighton Webber
Wilberforce Monologue: Emma Brodey performing Viola, Twelfth Night ‘Direction: Clare Holding
Raymond Group: Toy Story
Cast:’Immy Clarke, Annie Leung, Holly Killick, Rachel Rubin, Rosa Watson, Robyn Coucher, Emma Moore, Millie East-Nuttall, Sandra Blackwood, Ryo Tsujioka ‘Direction: Fran Hallett, Abbie Oram Technical: Kate Price
Andrew gave some really positive feedback to all the evening’s performers and gave them lots of ideas of each production’s individual strengths.’Congratulations to everyone who took part, particularly our winners:
Group Winners: Wilson House with Lion King
Shakespeare Monologue: Alex Lane, Crake House
It was a fantastic evening and a great time was had by all. Many thank to Andrew Knott for attending the evening and for all the brilliant feedback that he offered to our students.
To see more photos from the House Drama Competition, please follow this link.