St Mary's Calne
On the evening of Tuesday 4 March, an appreciative audience was treated to two captivating extracts performed by our UVI A Level drama class.
After an intense and expertly delivered series of monologues presented solely to our external examiner in the Hansberry Studio, the cohort split into two distinct casts. The first performance featured Act 1 of Playhouse Creatures, which transported the audience to the Theatre Royal in 16th-century England. The play explored the struggles and triumphs of the country’s first actresses, who faced a paradoxical existence: revered, admired, and yet often objectified and mistreated by the powerful men who ran and frequented the theatres. Superbly realised by the five students who brought this gritty, comic, and nuanced piece to life, skilfully portraying the rise to fame of the iconic Nell Gwynn.
In stark contrast, the second performance showcased a long excerpt from Second Person Narrative, a fast-paced and fluid play offering snapshots of pivotal moments in women’s lives, as well as the barriers and judgments they continue to face. Though different in content and form, both performances were united by their sheer excellence, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
Congratulations to all the students for their outstanding work - truly remarkable performances!
Mr Duncan Ellis, Director of Drama