The Abbey and Reading School combined their students’ talents to stage ‘The Playhouse Apprentice’ at South Street Arts Centre this week. It was a fantastic opportunity to perform in a working theatre.
Written by Reading-born playwright, Jessica Swale, the play is set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. With The Playhouse under threat of closure, young apprentice, Pygge, is tasked with sending a petition to the Lord Chamberlain to keep the theatre open. However, as Head of Drama at Reading School, Benedict Sandiford, says “What it’s really about is making sure the arts have a voice and a life in our society.” A timeless message that resonates to this day.
Mariann (Lower V) played the lead role of Pygge and although she was “really nervous” at the beginning, taking that final bow was “the best feeling ever. A mix of relief and excitement that lasted for hours!”
Students from Years 10-12 were able to devise the scenes themselves and were involved in all aspects of the production. Edward, Year 10 at Reading School, said, “Just knowing that there were rehearsals on a day would cheer me up – this play has given me the opportunity to do what I love, regularly.”
Phoebe (Lower V) from The Abbey School said, “It has been amazing to collaborate with everyone on ideas for the performance and I feel every individual played an important part. I felt I had a lot of creative freedom with how I presented my character and it was really fun to develop them!”
Drama teacher at The Abbey, Cassie Friend, shared why working collaboratively was such a success, “Benedict and I are both Artists in Residence at South Street Arts Centre and have performed together professionally. As we are both also teachers of Drama in local schools it made total sense to bring everything together: our schools, our experience and our relationship with South Street.”
Edward said, “It was so nice to see such different viewpoints and styles from the two schools, especially in how to interpret different sections of the play. Everyone was engaged in improving and creating the piece. I hope that we get to collaborate again in future!”. Molly (Lower VI), shared, “We have all really enjoyed getting to work with new people and make new friendships through our love of drama.”
Benedict said that being able to perform in a working theatre was “huge” and “for the students to experience a professional lighting designer and perform in a pro space, elevates the work way beyond that of a ‘school play’. We are extremely proud of the students, they have thrown themselves into the world of the play completely. It is the sort of play that requires bold choices and strong performances, both of which the students have made.”