Issue 37 Spring 2010
HIGHLIGHTS
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NOBIS
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ST ALBANS SCHOOL
EXPECTATIONS FULFILLED Audiences lucky enough to get hold of a ticket to the main school drama production of Great Expectations enjoyed an evening which fully reflected the scope of Dickens’ novel. With minimal props, a variety of scenes was played out in front of the audience: the marshes of Kent, the humble blacksmith’s shop, bustling London street life and, of course, the rather haunting residence of Miss Havisham, Satis House. On stage almost throughout the production, Enyi Okoronkwo in the most demanding role, gave a fine, affecting portrayal of Pip, as the play traced the highs and lows of his fortunes. David Webster as Joe Gargery gave a moving performance as the dedicated, loyal blacksmith. As Magwitch, Simon Dean showed great versatility in portraying the character as overpoweringly menacing in the opening scene and, later, as a character with whom the audience could sympathise. Charlye Simpson as Miss Havisham, in her tattered and aged wedding dress, conveyed her character’s bitterness with skill and Ellie Bland successfully captured the playful, but spiteful nature of Estella. Humour was provided by many characters, although particularly memorable were the cameos provided by Seb Kainth as Bentley Drummle, Harry Avent as Wopsle and Max Gold as Herber t Pocket. Freddy Sawyer, who stepped in at the last minute as Orlick, gave a fine performance. The rest of the cast and the chorus contributed enthusiastically to the lively, crowded street scenes. The drama was ver y ably held together by the two narrators, Michael Grimshaw and Iain Gale. The production promised first class enter tainment and these expectations were amply fulfilled. Charlye Simpson as Miss Havisham
CHESS MASTERS Our team of chess players have been making sound progress in the Yateley Manor National Schools Chess Championships. David Phillips, Darius Faiz-Mahdavi, Jonathan Phillips, Tom Latham, Hugh Myers and Zak Armstrong all contributed to knock out victories over Brentwood School 4.5-1.5 and Dame Alice Owen’s School 4-2.
YOUNG ENGINEERS Two Lower Sixth students were presented with their prestigious Arkwright Scholarships at the Institute of Engineering and Technology in London. Alex Craig-Thompson and James Crossley will benefit from being linked to industrial partners who act as mentors during their Sixth Form studies and who provide valuable contacts in the world of engineering.
FUND RAISING Members of form 2.3, with assorted parents and other relatives and with Thomas Lupson-Darnell on trumpet, raised an impressive £112.26 by singing carols in The Maltings. The money raised has gone to the Williams Syndrome Foundation, which provides help to children and funds research into this particular chromosomal condition.