Lady Eleanor Holles: Untaming - A spell-binding reckoning
As an NSTA representative, I had the real privilege of attending Untaming, a production at Lady Eleanor Holles School on Tuesday 11th February, 2025. Beautifully directed and imagined by Ms Bedford, with creative choreography from Miss Coles, expert design from Mrs Meredith, Mr Spry and Mr Jones, this world premiere by Kayla Feldman proved a thrilling, razor-sharp reimagining that tears through centuries of silence.
Blistering with wit, power and revolution, Untaming follows three distinct worlds, each influencing and intersecting with the others in a spellbinding narrative that is both thought-provoking and exciting. What truly sets this production apart is its deeply personal connection with the cast: the play was specifically commissioned for these talented students, with the playwright herself working directly with the cast to workshop and refine the script before solidifying its final form. This creative collaboration infuses the performance with an authenticity and depth that is palpable in every moment. The concept itself is a delightful mix of nostalgia and fresh perspective, most notably through the reunion of several of Shakespeare’s famous women, whose familiar stories are reimagined and reframed in ways that feel both nostalgic and bold. The story of high school students grappling with these characters’ journeys and depictions adds layers of reflection, as they explore these tales from new and personal angles. Each character, no matter how small the role, is given the space to shine, making this an ensemble production in every sense of the word.
The set design by Mr Spry captivated from the get-go: the moving flats (kudos to the exceptional stage management team) created a dynamic and fluid atmosphere that defined the worlds of the watchers (‘the Taming’), the players (‘the Plays’) and the analysers (‘the Commentary’), subtly and effectively shifting the audience’s focus. This constant re-imagining of the space complimented and developed the themes as the play developed, with the rules challenged and broken – a very elegant symbiosis of design and direction. The set design was complemented by a flight of stairs at the back of the stage, which became a symbol of elevation and separation, offering moments of tableaux that enhanced the thematic depth, creating profound emotional depth and charming comedy with dexterity and ease.
The cast commanded the space, with the electric energy of the opening act immediately drawing the audience in with sharp projection and articulate diction in the large space. The blocking was elegant, each movement deliberate yet free-flowing, establishing the tone for the entire performance: the command of the text (at times modern, Shakespearean, or somewhere in-between) was exceptional, with actors shifting from naturalism to melodrama and back again with true skill and flair. The performances of the five ‘Tamers’ were nothing short of extraordinary, with each actor delivering a nuanced and compelling portrayal. Kate (Elena) commanded the stage with a fearless intensity: her emotional range and specificity in every scene were awe-inspiring, culminating in a breathtaking final scene that stayed with me long after the curtain fell. Dezzie (Shimmy) was a master of naturalism, with whip-smart comic timing and moments of profound heartbreak: her portrayal was both hilarious and deeply moving, showcasing her impressive range. Love (Tilly D) brought an almost ethereal quality to her character, responding to every shift in the story with subtle, beautiful reactions, creating a real depth in her silent role. Ros (Jasmine) gave a highly poignant performance, particularly in her heartbreaking attempt to save Juliet from a forced marriage: her emotional depth and naturalism brought a raw intensity to her scenes. Phee (Tilly L) proved a force to be
reckoned with, bringing both petulant child and wronged woman to the fore to both delight and impact the audience in equal measure. Cordelia (Lucy) infused the production with anarchic energy, bringing rebellion into the second act with a fire that was palpable on stage.
The supporting cast was equally remarkable, bringing an array of vibrant performances that heightened the show’s impact. Those playing male characters in particular excelled at exaggeration and caricature, offering moments of both humour and poignancy. Romeo’s portrayal was striking, with a commanding grasp of the text and a drive that propelled the narrative forward. The ensemble embodied the essence of Untaming, fully committing to their roles and delivering standout moments of their own. Special mention goes to the hilarious poet in the Lear retelling, and the incredible team of commentators, with Claire in particular (Alexa) giving a masterclass in feistiness and frustration as they depicted the students’ growing disillusionment with their prescribed texts.
The production’s fourth-wall breaks were particularly poignant, forcing the audience to confront their assumptions about beloved plays and challenge their perceptions of characters. These moments were not only thought-provoking but emotionally stirring, especially during the unison duet between Kate and Claire, which beautifully collided the worlds of Taming and Commentary in a powerful, cathartic finale.
The production was also a feast for the senses. The choreography (by Miss Coles) – a beautiful fusion of modern and Elizabethan/Medieval styles – brought an exciting, energetic dynamic to the stage. The lighting (by Mr Jones), simple yet elegant, added layers of texture and emotion to the storytelling, with subtle shifts that enhanced every mood, atmosphere, and transition. The costumes (by Mrs Meredith) were another standout, effortlessly blending authentic settings with idealised depictions that felt both contemporary and magical, particularly in the vibrant Disney princess-inspired looks that brought joy and nostalgia to complement the humour, whilst equally demonstrating the restrictions in which the women found themselves imprisoned. It was truly heartening to see such involvement and talent from students in the production team, with the crafting of stunning puppets, and contributions to set, costume and stage management teams: the passion, talent and skill of the entire company leapt off the stage to enthral the audience.
Lady Eleanor Holles’ production of Untaming was an absolute triumph. Every aspect of the performancefrom the exceptional cast to the visionary direction and innovative design - came together to create an unforgettable theatrical experience. The production was as intellectually stimulating as it was emotionally resonant, leaving a lasting impact on its audience. This production is a shining example of the incredible talent that Lady Eleanor Holles nurtures, and a reminder of the power of theatre to challenge, entertain, and inspire. It was an absolute privilege to witness such an extraordinary display of creativity and passion. Untaming is, without a doubt, a must-see for anyone who loves theatre that pushes boundaries while staying deeply connected to the human experience.
National School Theatre Awards
www.schooltheatreawards.com
@schooltheatreawards
