Drama
“A Handbag” production
As part of the National Theatre New Connections 2009 competition, St Catherine’s School performed A Handbag by Anthony Horowitz.
The play is about a group of young people who are rehearsing Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. But the choice of play seems strange and the cast has almost no understanding of what they are doing, and the place where they will perform is certainly not a theatre. As they struggle to make sense of the text, we see that they are actually fighting for their own survival. This dark and disturbing comedy explores crime and punishment in an increasingly vengeful world and asks whether there is a group in society that is actually beyond redemption.
Over 65 pupils auditioned for 6 roles and 6 understudy roles. It was incredibly difficult to choose those pupils from such a talented group.
All of the cast and crew worked incredibly hard over several months, culminating in the performance at The Rose Theatre in Kingston upon Thames on April 6th, 2009.
I wish to thank each of the girls who performed and who understudied as well as those supporting in a technical capacity: Lauren McGee (Assistant Director), Hannah Bisbas (Stage Manager), Tessa Robinson (Lighting) and Niquita Patel (Sound) for their hard work to make the production such a success.
Ms V Barker
Drama Department
It Snows
On Friday 13th, girls from Yrs 9 and 10 performed ‘It Snows’ at the Hampstead Theatre. The girls produced a fantastic performance especially considering the pressure of performing in a professional venue. The stage manager of the Hampstead Theatre remarked on the girls’ energy, enthusiasm and commitment and despite not progressing to the final of the competition, it is an excellent achievement to progress so far in a national competition.
