 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
 |
|
|
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
 |
|
|
 |
|
||
From the elaborate backdrop, portraying a London gripped by the plague and wallowing in the quagmire of its own misery, to the arcane furnishings of an alchemist's study, the set, costumes and properties used transported us all into a world of betrayals, lechery, plot and counter-plot, all portrayed with sophisticated irony and in hilarious tune. Dramatic lighting and an array of musical styles supported a production bursting with surprises. For all this, it was the work of the cast, steeping themselves in the class-hierarchy and ludicrous caricaturing of Victorian London (the setting for this rendition), which made the play a joy to watch and to be a part of. From the foolery of wealthy knights to the savagery of country youths to the hilarious portrayal of the 'Holy Brethren of Amsterdam', the play depicts an identity parade of our own contemporaries with unstinting insight and the wilful eschewing of political correctness. All of this was brought home to the pundits through the skilful acting of a self-effacing cast, eager to throw themselves into their roles with gusto. Throughout the project, and the trials and challenges associated with it, our experience has been that it is the community spirit and common goal of cast and crew which made this play a reality. Setbacks, demands on our time and crises of confidence could have spelled the end of so worthwhile a venture. But they did not. The continuing energy of the cast and the devotion of the crew made for a production which, when put to the test, astounded all and exceeded our hopes and expectations. Our thanks go to all the proponents of this play who made student drama in the sixth form this term not only a possibility, but a roaring success. That the student body can produce and star in such a demanding play is truly remarkable. Long may it continue! The Alchemist Production Team The cast in rehearsal - early October
If for any reason you can't find what you are looking for, have a look in our alphabetical list, or contact us on the following e-mail: info@kingschester.co.uk |
On
the evenings of November the 10th, November the 11th and November
the 12th, audiences gathered in the main hall to enjoy the fruits
of nine months' work by a dedicated team of sixth formers, which
culminated in three showings of Ben Jonson's 'The Alchemist'. The
play, a comic parody satirising greed, lust and avarice, was performed
to large audiences, and received exceedingly positive feedback - both
for the outstandingly committed, talented and successful actors,
and for the work of an exceptional 'behind-the-scenes' crew composed
almost exclusively of students. 