SVS 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' Programme - June 2018

Sutton Valence School presents

Sutton Valence School North Street Sutton Valence june Maidstone Kent MHL

25- 27

2018

Baughan Theatre

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA

L

iterary greats have bestowed many magical and fantastical worlds upon us.

J.R.R.Tolkien gave us Middle Earth and J.K. Rowling allowed us mere muggles into the hallowed corridors of Hogwarts. Yet perhaps, the most mystical and enticing of all is C.S. Lewis’ land of Narnia. A rich history woven by Lewis has inspired so many children as they snuggled under their sheets, torch in hand, reading beyond lights out across the series of novels he wrote between 1950 and 1956.

The realm of Narnia plays host to a fantasy world of magic, mythical beasts, talking animals and various children who set out on unexpected adventures. The most enduring of all of the stories has to be The Lion,The Witch and The Wardrobe.

At the heart of this beautiful story is an allegory of Christ; a sacrifice is made for others to achieve the greater good. These four siblings are children who get things wrong and learn valuable lessons. At the heart of this story emerges a deep sense of playfulness and innocence that comes of age as our central characters, the Pevensie children, face a great adversary in the White Witch.

CAST Principal Cast

Ensemble

LUCY PEVENSIE SUSAN PEVENSIE

Holly Clark Martha Tatnell Anna Smith Helen Chambers

PETER PEVENSIE

Andrew Loy Ethan Wynne

EDMUND PEVENSIE

Joe Savage Tobias Butler

Supporting Cast MR TUMNUS

Freya Penfold Charles Wood

MAUGRIM

Thomas Dolan

WHITE WITCH

Louisa Hudson Emily Ferris

DWARVES

MR BEAVER MRS BEAVER FATHER CHRISTMAS ASLAN

Toby Loy Sophie Chapman Maximilian Reeves

VOCALIST MOTHER

Daniel Booth Edward Humphris Maximus Woods Scarlett Washington

PROFESSOR

Joseph Gillett Hannah Slipper

MRS MACREADY

Lulu Pankhurst Jodie Russell Isabelle Wood

Rosie Larchet

LEOPARD ONE

Sophie Browning

LEOPARD TWO

Samuel Foss

LEOPARDS

Max Finley Arthur Hodson Harriet Onions Evie Palmer

WOLVES

Kieran Bush Sean Cameron Rosie Larchet Maisey Russell Struben Savage

STONE STATUES

SOLDIERS

Tristan Hagerty Thomas Wood Ellie Fannon Lily Halpin

Honor Whiteley

ASSORTED UGLIES

Annabel Callander Kristina Duckett Elizabeth Goodwin Kate Lazarides Libbie McNamara Grace Wilson Louisa Yorke Sean Cameron Samuel Foss Arthur Hodson Struben Savage Eliza Averill Katy Barr Daniel Booth Kieran Bush Natasha Croke Nina Ghale Sam Knighton Harry Mundell Camilla Polglase Oscar Sandberg Savannah Taylor Liberty Watkinson Oliver Williams Grace Wright

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THIRD FORM

W

hen I found out The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was going to be the School’s junior production this year, I couldn’t have been more delighted. I read the book for the first time many years ago and I really loved the magic and mystery that was woven in throughout the whole novel. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was always my favourite of the Chronicles of Narnia, but before the rehearsals began I hadn’t touched the book in a number of years. It was really exciting to see this story come to life as our production began to take shape.

Playing the role of Susan has been really challenging and at times a little daunting, but always highly enjoyable. I have particularly enjoyed seeing the whole cast work together and throw themselves into their roles. I have loved every second of our rehearsals and I can’t wait to see the production finally come together on stage.

HELEN CHAMBERS SECOND FORM

B

eing a part of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has been an amazing and exciting experience. The huge amount of effort needed to make this production come to life proved tiring yet the pupils and staff have pulled together to make this the best it can be. Getting to know my character, Susan, has been difficult.

Trying to be the confident girl who isn’t afraid to boss her siblings around but also portraying the caring mother role she is to Lucy. Just like a normal older sister but not in a normal world.

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Susan

ANNA SMITH

ANDREW LOY THIRD FORM

I

first experienced drama at Sutton Valence when I was asked to help back stage for Les MisĂŠrables. As a new First Form pupil I was inspired by the talent of the Sixth Form performers. When I stood at the back of the stage to wave the giant red flag during One Day More, I was determined that I would play a part in future productions.

I first read the Chronicles of Narnia books when I was in primary school. Peter was one of my favourite characters because he is so like me. I like the way Peter takes on the role of being in charge and caring for the other children while they are away from their parents.

ETHAN WYNNE SECOND FORM

A

Peter

s the auditions were announced for this year’s production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, I was sure I wanted to try out. This year we can prove what Juniors can do. Originally, I wanted to take on the role of Edmund, but instead I went for Peter as he is a strong and powerful character by the end of the play. He is kind and caring, being the eldest sibling in the family. I knew that taking on the role of Peter would be a responsibility and it would be my main priority this term. I am extremely happy to be playing Peter in this production.

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HOLLY CLARK THIRD FORM

I

had been biting my fingernails for weeks, trying to guess what play I was going to be involved in.

I was elated when I was finally told it was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe! Going through the whole process of auditioning was so exciting and it was so valuable to see all my other peers audition to an incredible standard.When I discovered that I was given the part of Lucy, I was so happy. It was a dream come true, even! As it is not a musical, I had the chance to progress my core acting skills greatly.

Playing the role of Lucy has been an engaging task, and one of the hardest, at times, for me personally – as the character is several years younger than me and embracing the correct characterisation and the vocals has not been the simplest. However, I have thoroughly enjoyed working on my character and have loved developing my character alongside many of my peers. I have especially liked mentoring the younger cast. This is a great play and it has been so exciting to watch it grow into a truly magical land; I have been so lucky to be a part of it! Hope you enjoy the show.

MARTHA TATNELL SECOND FORM

B

eing involved in a show like this has been a big commitment, but also a very exciting experience. It was a great honour to be cast as Lucy and I will take pride in it for years to come. It is a difficult part, as you have to play a role much younger than yourself and stay the cheery child of the four children. The day-today rehearsals have proved tiring but completely worth it. As a team, we have put together a great show thanks to our great director, Miss Williams, and I cannot wait to perform it and hope everyone enjoys the show.

Lucy

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Edmund JOE SAVAGE THIRD FORM

H

aving found out that this year’s production was going to be The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, I didn’t know how to react, considering I have never seen the film or read the Chronicles of Narnia books. As a result, from the first rehearsal I knew this was going to be a challenge, but it was made a lot easier when I was cast in the role of Edmund, considering he is a very boyish character (a lot like me). Although it may have seemed an easy character to perform as, it was very tricky to go through the emotions Edmund has to go through, so this makes me even more excited to see how it turns out!

TOBIAS BUTLER SECOND FORM

W

e are very lucky to be putting on the performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. I was thrilled to be given the role as Edmund. I try hard not to be naughty in my real life (ask my teachers), therefore the opportunity to be given the role of a grumpy yet naughty child gave me the chance to let loose. I had actually never read the Chronicles of Narnia books or seen the films, however it has been a blast in rehearsals and I love the story!

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MR BEAVER BENJAMIN HAGERTY, Third Form

U

nlike many others in the cast, I have never read the Chronicles of Narnia nor seen any of the films or television series based on the books, so getting involved in the production would be something completely new to me, and that’s something that I’ve really enjoyed.

I think the role of Mr Beaver is quite well suited to my own character, so I’ve enjoyed getting into the part. The nature of his character is quite eccentric, both in terms of his thoughts and his actions. It has proved to be quite a challenging but an enjoyable process.

MRS BEAVER ELLIE FANNON, Third Form

W

hen it was announced that The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe would be this year’s junior play, I was really enthusiastic to try out for a part. After the audition process, I was over the moon to find out I was being given the part of Mrs. Beaver (AKA She Beaver).

I really feel that Mrs Beaver matches my personality in real life; she’s a very sassy yet caring character. The task of changing into a different species hasn’t been easy, but nevertheless it has been very enjoyable and I can’t wait for everybody to see the show.

FATHER CHRISTMAS DANIEL BOOTH, First Form

A

s my first production at Sutton Valence, I rushed to audition and was lucky enough to get the role of Father Christmas. As a First Former, I feel so privileged to have been picked as I was up against a lot of other amazing actors in the audition process. The appearance of Father Christmas at the end of the Long Winter is an important part of the story as it is one of the first signs that Aslan’s power was at work in Narnia, and that the Witch’s power was weakening. It is a great opportunity to be part of the production and I really hope you enjoy the show.

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MR BEAVER THOMAS WOOD, Second Form

T

his year, for our junior production, we are doing The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. I am privileged to be playing Mr Beaver, and I am going to make it as exciting as possible.

Mr Beaver is a unique character because he is funny and, at times, a little awkward like me! He is important to the story as he (and Mrs Beaver) introduce the children to Aslan. I really hope you enjoy the show and see what the junior years at the School can achieve.

MRS BEAVER LILY HALPIN, Second Form

I

am over the moon to be performing as Mrs Beaver in my first production at Sutton Valence School in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It has been quite a challenge to get the relationship with Mr Beaver right but, at the same time, it has been so much fun.

Drama is my favourite subject at School, so I have loved every part of the production process from auditions to rehearsals. Even though it has been hard work, I cannot wait for the show. I hope you enjoy your visit to Narnia as much as we have enjoyed being a part of creating it on the SVS stage.

FATHER CHRISTMAS EDWARD HUMPHRIS, Second Form

I

chose to audition to be Father Christmas in this production because I love smiling and being happy, so I saw my opportunity and took it! I have worked hard to create his very jolly personality as I see my part in the play as a moment of hope. It has been great to rehearse my scene and I have had a lot of fun while doing it. Everyone has worked so hard to make this happen and I’m sure that The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will go down in Sutton Valence history at a great show.

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hite itch

Louisa Hudson Third Form

W

hen I was chosen to be the White Witch in the upcoming production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe I was really happy, but also exceedingly nervous, as I had only joined the School last September. As the rehearsals have progressed, I’ve concluded that the White Witch is a very difficult part to play. I’ve encountered many struggles while finding my inner evil when playing her character! In my opinion, I am not much of a wicked person, so it was even harder for me to find the strength to shout, growl or be vicious in every scene, as I am not used to it. I’ve enjoyed exploring my new manipulative mannerisms, which have benefited me in finding the character’s persona and has helped me dive into a greater depth of the White Witch’s immoral ways.

Emily Ferris Second Form

W

hen I found out The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was our junior play this year, I was eager to begin the production. Finding out I was playing the role of the White Witch, I was delighted and overjoyed to start the process.

The White Witch is a difficult but rewarding part, but it has allowed me to show my cold side and really connect with the character I was meant to be!

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MR TUMNUS FREYA PENFOLD, Second Form

T

he character of Mr Tumnus has always appealed to me because he is the loving faun who first welcomes Lucy into Narnia. This performance gives me the opportunity to develop the character in my own way because I am playing him as a female.

I have really enjoyed getting to know all of the Third Form cast and I would like to thank Miss Williams for all of her time and hard work in bringing the show together. I am excited for what next year’s production will be,when we will be the ‘senior’ year group. I hope that the experience from this year will serve me well.

MR TUMNUS CHARLIE WOOD, Second Form

I

t has been an amazing process getting involved in productions at Sutton Valence and this year’s show is extra special for me, as it is my first major role. The play is also going to be the final production that Miss Williams is involved in, so we want to make sure we do her proud.

If we can progress from last year’s amazing junior production of Mulan then hopefully this year’s show might just go in the record books. I hope you all enjoy the show as much as we have done throughout the rehearsal process.

MAUGRIM THOMAS DOLAN, Second Form

A

fter discovering that the junior play was to be The Lion,The Witch and the Wardrobe, it didn’t take long for me to decide which part I was going to audition for. Maugrim, wolf captain of the White Witch’s ‘Secret Police’.

I felt he would be an interesting and complex character to play. I was delighted when I was told that I had the part!

Whilst it may sound simple to play the villain’s servant, Maugrim is far from that; he is the most brutal, fearsome and loyal wolf in all of Narnia and he is not afraid to show it in the presence of an enemy. Whilst a complicated character to play on stage, I have had a lot of fun portraying him. The junior production has been a blast to perform in, and I hope just as enjoyable to watch.

Page 9

ASLAN SCARLETT WASHINGTON, Second Form

I

am a huge fan of the Chronicles of Narnia movies and an even bigger fan of the books, so I was really pleased when I found out that The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was going to be the play this term. I was so excited that I auditioned for the part of Aslan. I was in complete shock when I saw my name up on the cast list. I knew it would be hard work, and it was. Nevertheless, I had the most fun I have had in ages, and it was all thanks to our amazing director, Miss Williams. Playing Aslan was difficult, as I had to feel the power of Narnia and walk on every time with a presence. I always had people backing me up though, and the rest of the cast was so much fun to work with and I hope, in future plays, that I get to work with them again. I loved all of my time working on this play and I hope that you all will enjoy watching it too.

ASLAN MAXIMUS WOODS, Second Form

W

ith the part of Aslan up for grabs, I had to give it a go as this is such an iconic role. It’s not often you get the opportunity to play such a powerful, protective character. I was concerned about the ‘roaring’ that the role required but nonetheless it was a challenging yet rewarding experience. As a Second Former going into a Third Form production, this was quite daunting for me, yet I have been welcomed into the cast. This is my first speaking role at Sutton Valence and I hope you enjoy the performance.

dwarf

TOBY LOY, Second Form

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dwarf

SOPHIE CHAPMAN, Third Form

dwarf

MAXIMILIAN REEVES, Second

Form

MRS MACREADY LULU PANKHURST, Second Form

M

y take on the character of Mrs Macready is mean and sassy, but at the same time quite quirky. I have loved drama since the age of five and I aspire to be as good as the Sixth Formers were earlier this year in Chicago.

Having been a part of last year’s junior production of Mulan, I hope that this production is as good, if not better, than that amazing show. This is our time to show off what the First, Second and Third Form can do!

MRS MACREADY JODIE RUSSELL, Second Form

I

really enjoy playing the character of Mrs Macready - she is the mean housekeeper of the Professor’s home, where the children go to stay. Her character is really traditional and strict, so it’s fun to play a different type of role.

We have rehearsed really hard for the show and as we are the only character to be played by three different pupils on the three different nights, it;s interesting how each have a different way of portraying Mrs Macready. I really hope you enjoy the show.

MRS MACREADY ISABELLE WOOD, Third Form

W

anyone!

hen I found out that I was playing the role of Mrs Macready in the production, I was excited, as she has a strong personality and takes no nonsense from

Her scary presence makes her a fun character to play. The children are so scared of her that they hide in the wardrobe to avoid her, so in a way she’s the one who sends them to Narnia!

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PROFESSOR JOSEPH GILLETT, Third Form

I

I have really enjoyed tackling the task of playing the Professor in this production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. I have been able to acquire new and exciting skills that I hope to build on in future productions. The Professor is an important character in the story as it’s his wardrobe that leads Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy to Narnia.

I have really enjoyed the rehearsals leading up to the performances and I feel really proud of what we have put together. I hope you enjoy the show as much as I’ve enjoyed being a part of it..

PROFESSOR HANNAH SLIPPER, Second Form

I

was delighted when I found out the junior production this year was going to be The Lion,The Witch and The Wardrobe as this was one of my favourite shows as a young child.

CHARITY

PRODUCTION

I really enjoyed exploring my part as the professor, as she is quite a fun part to play; although she is intelligent, she is also very clumsy and mad. It has been really good fun putting together the world of Narnia in rehearsals over the last couple of months. Everyone has worked really hard on the production and I hope that you enjoy the show.

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O

ver the past five years, the School’s connections with Nepal have continued to develop, notably through the successful fundraising campaign to reconstruct the Tamang Karkha School which had been devastated by the April 2015 earthquake. In February last year, the Headmaster and Dr Grindlay travelled to Nepal to open the rebuilt school, and spent time in the village seeing the impact that our fundraising had on the local community.That trip was followed by last December’s twoweek adventure for 30 Sutton Valence pupils to the village of Aspakdi, Bhanumati where the group was graciously welcomed into the local Nepalese community.

In both Tamang Kharka (Dhading District) and Aspakdi (Tanahun District), a lack of social facilities is apparent, and in order to reinforce the bond between our community and theirs, we have volunteered to assist with funding the construction of two community centres, one for each village. Both structures will provide accommodation for visitors and also enable the villagers to have an area where they can cook and come together as a community. A collection in support of the charity will be taken as you leave the Theatre at the end of the show.

ENSEMBLE CAST Elizabeth Averill Second Form

Katy Barr First Form

Sean Cameron

Second Form

Sophie Browning

First Form

Natasha Croke

First Form

Kieran Bush

Second Form

Kristina Duckett

Second Form

Annabel Callander

Second Form

Max Finley

First Form

Page 13

Samuel Foss

Second Form

Nina Ghale

First Form

Sam Knighton

Rosie Larchet

Harry Mundell

Harriet Onions

First Form

First Form

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Third Form

First Form

Elizabeth Goodwin

Second Form

Katharine Lazarides

Second Form

Evie Palmer

Second Form

Arthur Hodson

Second Form

Libbie McNamara

Second Form

Camilla Polglase

First Form

Maisey Russell

Oscar Sandberg

Savannah Taylor

Liberty Watkinson

Honor Whiteley

Oliver Williams

First Form

First Form

Grace Wilson

Second Form

First Form

Third Form

Grace Wright

First Form

First Form

First Form

Louisa Yorke

Second Form

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DIRECTOR’S NOTES Ms L Williams

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hen a story as well known and as precious in the hearts of so many presents itself as an opportunity, there is a great sense of responsibility to keep the magic at the heart of everything we do. This has been our focus since we began rehearsals.

During the audition process, it became clear that I had a vast array of talent on offer that gave me the gift of having two casts. This has been an opportunity to have the older pupils mentor the younger ones and to be able to showcase some of our younger very ambitious actors.

We have laughed throughout this process making it joyous and a thrill to direct.

In order to create the magical world we see in The Lion,The Witch and The Wardrobe, I wanted to consider how to make it fresh, modern and relatable for what would be a varied audience but hold on to the traditional elements of the 1940s. Infused with jazz of the time, magical music from movies and great composers, I hope to create the atmosphere in which the audience is captivated by the magic and transported to the land of Narnia. I am truly grateful to the incomparable James Mitchell, who has brought my contemporary design to life through the challenging set design and precision lighting.

Once again, it must be noted that we could not produce the wonderful productions at Sutton Valence School without him.

To all of the teachers and staff members who have helped along the way – thank you. Particular mention must be made of Miss Davies and Mr Radford who run the front of House with precision and utter professionalism. My ridiculously fastidious backstage crew, headed up

by Jack McNama, is, as always, attentive when it comes to the detail and have been a wonderful set of assistant directors throughout the process. Special thanks though go to all of you for supporting our shows and to the parents who have worked tirelessly to learn lines and ferry children to and from rehearsals.

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PRODUCTION TEAM

PRODUCTION Director

Ms L Williams

Production Technician

Mr J Mitchell

Stage Manager

Jack McNama

Deputy Stage Manager

Antonio Malluzzo-Fisher

Backstage Crew

Oliver Dent Thomas Cavell Joshua Scott

Backstage Mice

Harriet Connor Grace Kent Sophie O’Reilly

Technical Assistant

William Ervine

Costume Coordinator

Nicole Avery

Make-up and Hair

Emily Baldwin Sophie Baxter Ava Deighton-Smythe Crystal Chen Charlotte Gilman Nina Harman Daisy Hills Ella Hughes Amelia Kirk-Brown Cameron Lamont-Brown Sophie Lee Olivia Smith Florence Watkinson Elizabeth Welch

`

PROGRAMME Programme Design

Mr W Radford

Programme Photography

Ahuvi Photography Bentley Photographic

Aslan Artwork

Miss M Halleron

Programme Printing

Stagg Creative

FRONT OF HOUSE Front of House Manager

Miss E Davies Mr W Radford

Front of House

Miss A Akehurst Mr R Carr Mrs C Finley Mrs F Gosden Mrs S O’Connell Mrs B Palmer-Pilgrim Mrs F Porter Mr C Rose Mrs S Rose

Sutton Valence School North Street Sutton Valence Maidstone Kent ME17 3HL