Drama and Dance performance write-ups (March 2025)
BAC Theatre Studies Scripted Performances, Mon 3 & Tue 4 Mar 2025
By Teddy, Block 3 (Year 9)
One Man Two Guvnors was a joy - the contagious energy from the cast was undeniable. The physical comedy was amazing and the waves of laughter throughout the performance really created a great atmosphere. The lead actor perfectly captured the chaotic energy of the character, he was hilarious. Each character added to the overall comedic brilliance. I particularly enjoyed it when the actor playing Francis started having an argument with himself that ended up with him slapping his face and wrestling himself to the ground!
Rebecca was a captivating production - the performance was strong, with a particularly compelling portrayal of the mysterious Mrs. Danvers. The tension built subtly yet effectively throughout the play, culminating in moments of genuine suspense. I was particularly impressed by the seriousness of the actors. The production successfully captured the psychological complexities of the story, leaving a hard-hitting effect.
Next year I am really looking forward to taking BAC Theatre Studies after experiencing such brilliant performances. I can't wait to get started.
Student Directed Performances, Thu 6 Mar 2025
By Esmae, 6.2 (Year 13)
This term Tessa and I directed one of the student directed plays, a student-led production in which 6.2s (Year 13s) are given the opportunity to cast and direct a play for the 6.1s (Year 12s).
We worked on the play from the start of the Spring term until 6 March, when it was performed in the Lupton Hall. The cast included six students from 6.1 - Willow, Zelie, Ava, Olive, Olivia and Louis.
The play we chose to perform was Crimes of the Heart by Beth Henley. It is a comedy twist on a dark story, following the lives of the McGrath sisters from Southern Mississippi in the early 1970s who remain traumatised after their mother’s suicide years earlier. The sisters were raised in a dysfunctional family with a penchant for ugly predicaments. Each of them has endured their share of hardship and misery. Past resentments bubble to the surface as the sisters are forced to deal with difficult relatives and past relationships, all while coping with one of the sister’s latest incidents. Those who surround her can't escape the fallout of her decisions, each one left to grapple with the consequences she’s set in motion, and the ‘crimes of the heart’ she commits.
To have the experience of directing a play was definitely eye-opening. Sometimes you don’t quite realize the amount of work it takes to put on a production, but I truly feel I have gained skills I didn’t think I would. Especially considering the fact that I myself am not an A Level Drama student, so this is where Tessa would come in and we were able to work side by side.
It was a long process and both the cast and directors worked hard to make a production worth watching. And, with the help of Director of Dance and Drama Hayley and Joanne, Theatre Designer & Production Manager, in the end the hard work paid off and we were able to come out with a play both Tessa and I, and the actors, could truly be proud of.
By Posy, 6.2 (Year 13)
Poppy and I directed 6.1s in Sam Holcroft’s A Mirror. It was an enjoyable experience with a great outcome, yet it was not without its challenges. The original play is a three-hour production but we managed to condense it into a 45 minute show with the help of Simon Kingsley-Pallant, Head of Drama & Dance at Bedales Prep. Hayley helped guide us in directing, giving us great advice to help throughout the process.
Overall it was an incredibly fun experience that I would do again. The outcome of A Mirror was amazing and everyone involved should be proud. A very well done to the 6.1s who joined us as well, we hope to have inspired them to direct next year.
Bedales Dance Performs, Wed 12 Mar 2025
By Rosy, 6.2 (Year 13), Dance DON
This year’s BDP explored culture and diversity through 22 dynamic pieces. As a 6.2 student, it was a privilege to work with the Block 3s (Year 9s) on their dance while also being part of the backstage environment, surrounded by dancers who took pride in their creations. The show highlighted the power of movement in telling stories and connecting us all on stage.
The show was particularly meaningful as it gave me the opportunity to showcase my final A Level pieces and perform at Bedales for the last time. Looking back, BDP has been instrumental in my growth as a dancer, helping me develop both my performance skills and my understanding of dance. Over the years, since Block 3 I’ve watched different year groups perform, gaining a deep appreciation for the enthusiasm and positive energy that surrounds dance at Bedales. This experience has shaped me, and I carry it forward as I move on from Block 3 to the future.
By Liberty, Block 4 (Year 10)
I was part of Bedales Dance Performs for the first time this year and I really loved the experience. We all warmed up as part of a group, taking dynamic stretches to help prepare for the performance. Preparing for our dances together helped connect me with older years and the other dancers who were also a part of the performance. Watching other people’s dances in the dress rehearsals was incredibly inspiring and made me realise how many different aspects of dance there can be.
Backstage, during the performances, we helped each other go through the dances and improve our techniques, keeping ourselves warmed up and excited before performing. The energy backstage was great, with everyone excited to perform but also nervous. As a first-time experience, it was great, and I really enjoyed getting to know more people and learning more about dance. I think that my overall experience was excellent, the energy was amazing and it was amazing to be involved in such a nice community.
6.2 A Level Theatre Studies Scripted & Devised Performances, Thu 20 & Fri 21 Mar 2025
By Zibs, 6.1 (Year 12)
Last week we had the pleasure of watching the 6.2 (Year 13) Theatre Studies students’ last performance on the Olivier stage as Bedalians. On Thursday night they had to perform to an external examiner who marked them on their final piece of practical work for their A Level, and on Friday they performed to a slightly bigger audience of parents and fellow students.
I think it was clear to everyone watching the hard work and passion that went into the pieces. The night was split into two sections with a short interval in between. First, we saw the students’ Naturalism pieces - these were extracts from a published play performed in a realistic style. I was intrigued by the different character dynamics shown from various couples struggling with the complexities of marriage to friends trying to split couples up. The sets for the pieces were kept realistic and authentic and really helped to tell the story of the characters and draw the audience’s attention to the great performances.
The second half of the night saw pieces devised by the students where they had been given a stimulus and a practitioner to inspire their own piece. I was so impressed by the range of styles and stories shown and all pieces succeeded in creating a piece of clever slightly abstract theatre which kept the audience engaged all night. From a physical theatre piece about love, loss and grief using the practices of Frantic Assembly, we then watched an amazing visual piece exploring different languages and memories inspired by Gecko Theatre. Both of these left the audience feeling very emotional.
The most bold and visual piece of the night was also inspired by Gecko, in which the actors worked with primary coloured ribbons hanging from the ceiling. It was hard not to be mesmerised by the rich plethora of powerful visual images in this piece. Finally, the night finished with a performance in the style Berkoff which left the audiences in hysterics. I will remember the human coffee machine and helicopter alongside the cartwheeling grandfather for a long time to come.
In Other Words - TBC Productions, Wed 26 Mar 2025
By Martha, 6.1 (Year 12)