As if House Drama wasn’t already packed with sufficient drama, this year saw our LVIs take on the role of guinea pigs for a bold new experiment: House Drama in TEN DAYS. Written by Director of Drama and Dance, Rob Castell.
Keeping the quality
Famed for their ability to compartmentalise, and brilliantly busy with a million other endeavours, we decided to condense the whole process, which gave it a thrilling intensity – but as predicted, no reduction in quality whatsoever.
The theme this year was ‘A Stranger Come to Town’. Essentially this idea draws from the concept that ultimately there are only a handful of plot formats out there – Romance, Revenge, The Quest, etc – and of course this one. We have a setting and a group of people and then a stranger arrives, which changes everything…
This stimulus gave rise to all sorts of brilliant concepts. The new Headteacher, a mysterious Maid who comes to the Manor, a bereaved couple who lost their son (or did they?), a hitchhiker at a ball and a returning father whose shellshock had rendered him so distant as to be a stranger. Brilliant plots all, with rich characters, skilful use of tech, moving moments and a celebration of our new Removes. It really was a feast to behold.
This year’s House Drama event was a brilliant display of dedication, creativity and teamwork. The Holcombe girls put so much effort into the piece in and out of rehearsals and seeing them perform on stage with such incredible energy was brilliant.
Alice (Upper Sixth, Head of Holcombe)
Special Guest Judge
Priscille Grace was our judge this year, a panellist for Central School of Speech & Drama auditions and recent performer at our local theatre the prestigious Watermill. She brought an infectious energy and joy to proceedings, complete with some really insightful feedback.
In the end, Holcombe were victorious, with their nuanced and thoughtful piece ‘The Stranger Within’, which dealt with some really mature and complicated ideas around the familial impact of war. Special mention should also go to Millie Lazenby in the UIV, who treated everyone to an absolutely show-stealing performance as a brutally strict Scottish Headmistress on the road to self-reflection in Downehill.
I was delighted with the whole event – and the generosity of spirit really came through strongly this year, with teams applauding each other’s victories and proving that at the end of the day with theatre, it really is all about the taking part.
Rob Castell
