Shakespeare's comedy was transported to the back-stage of a circus ring in this year's upper school performance just before the end of term. Circus characters included the traditional ring-master, acrobats, clowns and knife-throwers, all wearing amazing brightly coloured costumes and with stunning hair and make-up. The effect was spectacular.
Beatrice and Benedick (played by Rhianna Durbar and Seb Slade) created high comedy in the portrayal of their love/hate relationship, whilst Hero and Claudio (played by charity Brifaut and Luke Dickinson) were the perfect sweet couple on stage. This tale of love and deceit was supported by a large cast who really pulled together to create something very special.
Shakespeare's language is not easy to learn or understand and yet Will Hambly (as Don Pedro) had perfected his lines within weeks of getting the script and was one of the stars of the show. The comedy character of Dogberry (played by Ollie Roberts) was a complete contrast to the evil plotting of Don Jon (played by Josh Bean) with both characters being ably supported by their side-kicks to create some super moments in the play.
The clowns brought the whole show together, creating a fun-filled stage during scene changes and much amusement, but perhaps not as much amusement as the masks of teachers faces used in the ball scene….
