Drama Highlights

Our whole College production in November 2022 was ‘The Visit’ by Friedrich Dürrenmatt, a vicious take on the nature of humanity, guilt, justice, sin and temptation. It is also a comedy, telling the story of Claire (Katia, Class 1) a woman returning to her hometown after forty-five years to exact revenge on the man that betrayed her (Alena, II Seniors)—or, as she puts it, to “buy justice.”

Mr Tillett wrote:

“It was simply magnificent. One visitor told me she had worked with the National Youth Theatre yet was ‘blown away’ by our production, and rightly so. Katia from Class 1 (Year 9!) in the lead role, superbly supported by Alena (II Seniors) and Eloise (I Juniors), with no fewer than eleven members of our new Class 3 among the rest of the fantastic cast. The quality of acting was outstanding, with the leads somehow managing to hold the stage just by walking on to it.

But it was the sophistication of the production that really made it so extraordinary. It really did not feel like a school show. The subtle touches to bring the plot to life - the Chorus representing the trains passing in and out of Güllen, the dismantling and reuse of the set throughout, the yellow shoes symbolising Schill’s impending doom as the townspeople increasingly became corrupted by credit, the use of the aisles and back of the Hall as they closed in for the kill – all gave it a sophistication that you simply don’t usually get at this level. Beckie Mills, along with her co-Director, Brendan Benson, did a truly extraordinary job.

We always knew the play would be bold and challenging, for cast and audience alike. We didn’t know they would pull it off quite so spectacularly - though we should have. It all added up to a genuinely unforgettable evening.”

“I enjoyed ‘The Visit’ because it was an amazing experience where you got to meet pupils from all different year groups and be part of something together. Being involved was an important experience because it helped me grow in confidence and improved my stage performance ability. I recommend being involved in a production at Queen’s because it’s amazing to be part of a drama community and work together to create a wonderful show.”

(Rachel, C3)

“I had an AMAZING time performing in ‘The Visit’. It has boosted my confidence and overall made me understand what a play is all about. I was surprised that the rehearsals flew by so fast. I recommend being involved in a production at Queen’s because it’s an amazing place to make memories.”

(Meela, C3)