birkenheadschool.co.uk
DRAMA
13
Little Shop of Horrors... Ciara Williams was entirely believable as the heroine Audrey and with her soulful voice she had the audience captivated from start to finish. Audrey II was played by Sam Gavin-Pitt, although most audience members believed the Voice emanated from a professional backingtrack, so professional was his performance. Ben, Sam’s brother, played the insides of Audrey II. Jordan Hayward grasped the part of Seymour with both hands. With comic timing way beyond his years he kept the play moving at a cracking pace and the audience in gales of laughter. A star is born.
Jordan Hayward, Ciara Williams
Sam Gavin-Pitt, Ben Gavin-Pitt
A high-point for many was the cameo appearance of the Dentist played by experienced actor Finlay Gordon. His Elvis-esque hip swivels ensured he was confronted by a gaggle of giggling groupies at each interval. The musical was narrated by the Greek Chorus of Verity Walker, Emily Pulford, Lara Abraham and Grace Harvey and presided over by the sage (if highly eccentric) Jewish shop-keeper, Mr Mushnik played by Matthew Caine – we will certainly miss his dramatic talents next year. The enthusiasm of the chorus and band, controlled by musical director Philip Robinson, was infectious, adding to the high octane feel of the performances. They could easily be confused with any to be heard in a professional theatre.
Matthew Caine Verity Walker, Lara Abraham, Finlay Gordon, Emily Pulford, Grace Harvey
The backstage crew ensured slick scene transitions and they were admirably led by backstage manager James Budworth. Even the complexities of the sound and lighting plots were dealt with by students, a remarkable achievement! All in all this was a rousing success for Birkenhead School and we look forward to the next rip-roaring success in 2017!
Edward Oulton, Mari Eva, Josh Coyne
Louisa Titu, Alexandra Williams, Caroline Hurst, Harvey Forster