School Production 2019: ‘A Christmas Carol’

In school, our annual drama production is a key event in the school calendar. Auditions are held in the August of the previous academic year, with rehearsals beginning in earnest immediately in September. This year, directors Mr McDonnell and Miss Bevis have worked extremely hard over two months to prepare the talented company for a series of four performances in school at the end of November.

This company was made up of over 50 boys, along with students from The Green School for Girls, making this one of our biggest shows ever. This year’s production was a festive treat, as we tackled Charles Dickens’ classic ‘A Christmas Carol’, adapted for the stage by David Holman. Led by Year 13’s Aadi Mudhar in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, the students put in many hours of rehearsal to hone the production and make it the best it could be!

Before long, it was time for the first performances, with the group doing two shows on the same day (Wednesday 27 November). The first impressed a collection of Year 5 pupils from local feeder primary schools, and the second showcased their talents to our own Year 7. Then, on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 November, the evening performances began to an impressive crowd – our thank you to all of those who gave their time to support us.

It was at this point that the students truly shone. There were fantastic performances from all, but particular mention must be given here to Head Boy Aadi, whose performance was nothing short of remarkable – showing outstanding emotional range throughout! For Aadi, as well as fellow Year 13s Kendall Berryman and Ross McQueen, this was the final performance on the I&S stage, and we thank them for their service during their time in school.

The production was an absolute delight from beginning to end. Musical director Miss Warner constructed a soundtrack that was equal parts eerie and poetic, with musicians performing from the orchestra pit underneath the stage throughout. The lighting, designed and operated by Alexander Standing (10E) and Ciaran Stevens (11A), was exceptional, with use of hand-held candles amongst complete darkness particularly effective at several points. The atmosphere of the show was sombre and emotional, festive and joyous, and everyone present agreed they had witnessed a treat.

Our thanks to everyone involved in the production for giving up so much time – it was clearly worth it in the end, judging by the standing ovation the students received. Productions like these are important to us as we believe that the arts are of vital importance for students’ development and wellbeing. We want to encourage students to explore their creative passions – that’s the Isleworth & Syon way.

Please do check out the gallery below for more images from this amazing production – roll on next year!

View the image gallery.

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Tags: 2019-20, Christmas, Drama, News