This year, the 3rd and 4th of December saw the return of the inter-house event that brings out the students' competitive spirits like none other, the House Drama competition.
By Miles Morton Sixth Form Student
Every year, upper sixth students are tasked with writing and directing a short play for their house to perform in front of their teachers and an audience, thus serving as a perfect excuse to avoid A-level preparation. The task is taken on with great effort by the sixth formers who will all tell you that gathering year 7’s and 8’s to rehearsals is no mean feat.
Tuesday night entailed the following performances; ‘We Couldn’t Pick a House Play’ by Beresford house and ‘How to Murder Your Head Boy’ by Shrewsbury House. Beresford were up first, to the displease of the other houses who felt that the bar had been set extremely high by a play with such an unpromising title. In charge was Esme Brennan, who received the award for best director. In spite of their excellent dancing skills displayed within the show, Beresford came up short to Bidston’s performance on Wednesday night.
Some jovial remarks about the school’s PE teachers may have influenced the reasons why Shrewsbury only picked up third place. Despite the fact that their murder mystery performance was delivered by the ‘best narrators’ Ellie Simpson and Mairead Anderson, their comedic portrayal of Mr Vicars could be an explanation as to why they were defeated by two other houses.
Kingsmead’s performance on Wednesday night accentuated the issues that arise when leaving a group of sixth form students to organise a half-an-hour performance. A few missed lines, lighting difficulties, and curtain malfunctions, they produced a production worthy of fourth place, much to Toby Meisner’s dismay. Most notable in this production was Madelaine Arthur’s impeccable Mrs Pankhurst impression, along with Harvey Forster’s captivating performance of Mr Lytolis.
Finally, the winner’s, Bidston. After a convincing performance by Chris Rowland’s as Mr Vicars, Millie Southworth as Miss Crawford, and Tom James as Mr Lindberg, they were deserved winners. On top of this, the cover of ‘You’ve Got Time’ by house captain, Mr Webster, contributed to their victory.
Mr Webster’s braggadocious behaviour has provided a real incentive amongst the other houses to ensure their performances are even better in 2020.