To cap off a brilliant year for the Performing Arts at Emanuel School, our extremely talented Middle School students took to the stage just before Christmas to perform One Man Two Guvnors in front of packed-out audiences in the Fiennes Theatre on 7th – 9th December. Based on the classic Italian comedy The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni, this new English version by playwright Richard Bean was brought to life by an effervescent ensemble of Y9, 10 & 11 students, creating memorable, and hilarious characters delighting audience members with their wit and technical prowess. Special mention must go to Emil (Year 11), Bridget (Year 11) and Gracie (Year 9) who received Drama Pins for their fantastic performances, however all students should be hugely proud of their achievements.
Oliver (Year 9) on rehearsing the Middle School Play:
Being a part of One Man Two Guvnors was a riotous adventure into the world of comedy and all its quirks. We began the rehearsal process with a read-through to show us the play’s style, before blocking every scene in its most basic form, making sure we knew what to say and where to stand. Then it was time to think about how to make the audience love what we were doing. My character, Stanley, had to be incredibly serious whilst saying the most ridiculous anecdotes and punchlines, which proved a hard balance to strike. Over the three months we rehearsed, I got to meet and learn from so many lovely performers across the Middle School, making it such a joyful and memorable term.
Gracie (Year 9) on performing the Middle School Play:
Through the process of making One Man Two Governors, I have created a family in the drama world! If that was squabbling backstage about miscellaneous props or trying to hold our giggles in almost all rehearsals – what a journey it all was! I can’t begin to explain how rewarding performing to a live audience was, from the impromptu laughs giving you butterflies, to the roar of applause at the end, every night was a gift! It famously goes that throughout the production week the energy and enthusiasm dips, however, I can speak for all of us when I say it did quite the opposite, after every show we aimed high and higher trying to improve every imperfection and flaw. And after four very tiring but exciting shows and nearly 12-weeks of rehearsals we had a play we were tremendously proud of! The experience was incredible, and I cannot promote Emanuel Drama enough, give it a go, there is nothing to lose!
Mr Lancaster (Teacher of Drama)