Girls from Year 7 performed in scenes from Willy Russell’s Our Day Out. The girls developed a highly physical style but also a naturalness which won over the audience as they told the tale of the progress class and the shenanigans of their day out at the zoo, the beach and the funfair. Verity gave an endearing and sensitive performance as Carol, a girl who longed to escape the industrialised Liverpool of the 1980’s and instead stay on a cliff in Wales. She was justifiably awarded the prize of best newcomer.

The three Year 8 groups interpreted three scenes from the Crucible by Arthur Miller. The original play deals with betrayal, integrity and the fallibilities of a narrow minded society. Grace was commended in particular for her harrowing portrayal of Elizabeth Proctor at the point when her husband John is lead to the gallows.

Finally, the audience were treated to three excerpts from Teechers by John Godber, performed by Year 9. This play is a comic interpretation of life at an inner city state school during the 1980’s. It is written for just three actors to play multiple parts. As such all of the Year 9’s are to be congratulated on their ability to use their voice and movement to evoke all of the different parts. Specific mention must go to Cara who transformed herself with utter conviction and was justly awarded the prize of Best Actor.

At the culmination of events, our judge, Rosie Parton (Head of Drama at Knightsbridge School), commented on the strength in depth of Drama throughout the school at Francis Holland and the wonderfully supportive atmosphere. She then announced the overall results of the Inter-House Drama Festival, 2018, which was as follows:

4th Ashcroft

3rd Woolf

2nd Franklin

1st Fonteyn