The Mysterious Beau Grange and the disappearance of Bert Gill and Van Sully It was with bated breath that the school, parents, teachers and children alike, awaited the swansong script of our very own Mr Morris. If past performances were anything to go by, we were in for a treat. Traditionally based around the history syllabus, this finale didn’t deviate from the historical theme, but was to prove more of an ‘up close and personal’ nature, encapsulating Bilton Grange and all of its wonderful 125 year glory. We were not disappointed; sometimes hilariously funny, sometimes complex, sometimes touching but above all else a sense that Mr Morris had combined so much so brilliantly into a drama performed so convincingly by our 4th Form. Inspired by early traditions of musical performances at Bilton Grange, Mr Morris, aided by the vision of Mr Gorick and Miss Sellar, based the musical score around Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe, HMS Pinafore and the Sorcerer (hence the characters of Old Biltonians Bert Gill and Van Sully). Beau Grange, played by Maria Rodko, was the metaphor for the school; the seductive force that people fell in love with, and like a first love stays with you for the rest of your life. Many areas of school life were celebrated including individuals who have gone on to enjoy fame (and sometimes fortune), defining moments in the school’s history and probably most importantly the breadth of experience the school offers and encourages to all of its pupils. No ‘Mogs’ production would ever be complete without those moments of hilarity where members of the BG staff community bear the brunt of Mr Morris’s quick wit, flowing pen and attention to detail. Suffice it to say, few stones were left unturned, at times the phrase ‘sailing close to the wind’ came to mind - if you were there you will understand the meaning. As ever, all in the best possible taste and good faith! As the curtains closed, signifying the end of another extraordinary BG era, I think it is fair to say, some of the audience left scratching their heads, some with tears of nostalgia, some just very content at seeing yet another stunning BG performance. But one thing on which we were all agreed; the brilliance of the children shone through in their singing, acting and enthusiasm. There were many memorable moments but to pick out just a few: the beautiful voice of Shelly Fuxman, the delivery of Theo Davenport as Guv’nor JG and the lovesick pupil played by Ross Carmichael. I cannot finish without sharing a quote that came from one of the 4th Form performers who, when asked how things were going, exclaimed ‘we have been rehearsing for over six weeks now and I still don’t have a single clue what this play is about!’ It only remains for me to say on behalf of everyone at Bilton Grange, a huge ‘thank you’ to Mr Morris for his inspiration, his humour and his humanity. IMM’s productions are now etched in BG history and, most importantly, in the hearts of all those who performed with him and for him.
Return to the Forbidden Planet Inspired by the classic 1956 film “Forbidden Planet” - itself based very loosely on Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” - this 6th Form performance featured many songs from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s. The story went thus; Captain Tempest and the crew of his spaceship are on a routine survey mission when their craft is dragged off course to the mysterious planet of D’Illyria. Here they meet mad scientist Dr Prospero, who has been marooned there with his daughter Miranda and the robot Ariel ever since his equally deranged wife Gloria sent them off in a rocket from Earth. Miranda falls for the Captain against her father’s wishes but before either of them can reveal their true feelings, the ship is attacked by monsters, otherwise known as ‘Ids’. In time the dangerous truth about Prospero’s secret experiments is discovered, and the Science Officer springs a surprise of her own on the whole crew. Like all 6th Form leavers’ plays, ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’ was a huge undertaking for a bunch of 6th Formers, who had to act, sing and memorise a whole load of lines and actions without, for the first time, the talented Mr Morris leading them. However, they rose to the challenge almost without exception, and enthusiastic feedback from a very appreciative audience was gratifying for all the work both they and staff invested in this performance. As one parent wrote afterwards – ‘It oozed humour, vitality, fun, creativity, happiness, laughter, confidence and self-expression, hooray! The ‘have a go approach’ was so wonderful to see and they delivered it in bucket loads!’ All leavers had a part to play, be it big or small, and very soon had the audience clapping, singing and catching the odd meteorite (!) as they all climbed aboard the space ship for a trip to the outer planets where no man (or woman!) had gone before… Memorable moments abounded; solo singing performances by Skylar Martle were sparkling, as was the humour brought by the mad scientist Will Manners, and the truly accomplished performance of Jack Harwood as Captain Tempest. The scientist’s faithful robot Ariel, in the guise of Griff Roberts was commanding, as was the rest of the cast that made up the crew and in particular: Amelia Tarrant, Miranda Kember, Harry Kesterton, Will Sturrock and the two ‘Cookies’ Ollie Rogerson and James Eggleston who… ‘Ain’t gonna wash for a week’ – let’s hope they have! To sum up; this was a truly out of this world experience for all, and as we all come back down to Earth at the end of another hectic term, to all who took part, be it in front or behind the scenes……. ‘Live long and Prospero’ ! DV
DH
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