ALL SAINTS
COLLEGE QUARTERLY Issue No. 13 July 1991
Pirates Give Swashbuckling Performance May 22nd, 1991 saw the culmination of weeks of hard work by all who contributed to the production of "Pirates". The show was directed by Trish Derrington of the College's Drama Department. The staff, parents and students who had put in so many hours of their time producing sets, costumes, props and management tasks were at last able to see the fruits of their labour. Others, such as Musicians and Stage Crew were not quite so lucky and will have to resort to the video which has been produced as a memento of a colourful and dynamic Production. The "House Full" sign up for each performance - a producer's dream! Such was the demand for tickets for the College production of "Pirates" that there were no seats left to sell by the beginning of the week of the show. This year the students were asked what musical they would like to stage and the "Pirate Movie" was a popular choice. The audiences also reacted enthusiastically to the lively presentation which included many students of the College. The show included some of the best known Gilbert & Sullivan songs from the "Pirates of Penzance", together with some modem numbers from the fIlm. Ruth Bailey and Barry Palmer of the College's Music Department, were responsible for the arrangements for the additional songs. Krisztina Bodonyi, the "Artist in Residence" for this year, who is a specialist in mime and movement, worked with the students to achieve a professional standard of choreography in the performances.
The policemen on patrol.
The cast photographed at dress rehearsal.
While Keith Brewin, Head of the Department of Practical and Creative Arts, worked with a dedicated band of parents to create the sets, Anne Greville and a team of staff and parents were busily creating the costumes. The Science Department staff room echoed to the voice of Dr. Peter Simpson proclaiming himself to be a "Modem Major General" while the Principal, Mr. Tony London, practised his measured tread through the College in preparation for his debut as the impassive butler "Meadows". The production was a great success in that it offered the opportunity for many students to become involved. Apart from the cast, which included singers and dancers from the College, members of the College Orchestra were also featured and many learnt of the joys and frustrations of accompanying a stage show. This year it was decided to have the leading roles alternated. Sarah Chescoe and Tanya 1ackson each played Mabel, Philip Balding and Scott lones shared the role of Frederic the romantic hero, while the part of the Pirate King was played by Craig Chester and Gerard Mitchell. The supporting role of Ruth was played by Claire Stone and Rachael Hogg and Matthew Morecombe and Chris Chalk shared the part of Samuel. The full houses attested to the popularity of the production, which made all the hours of rehearsal and behind the scenes labour
worthwhile. More importantly, it brought many members of the College community together in an endeavour which developed new skills and unearthed hidden talents and in the long run, proved to be fun.
Meadows waits upon the Major-General.