Shakespeare in the Open Air at Bruton School for Girls

And yes, contemporary dress seemed just right for this balmy summer production of this, one of Shakespeare's most whimsical plays. Realistic theatre it is not, particularly when played by an all girl cast, so the needed psychological suspension of disbelief needs be coaxed from the text by other means – a capacity for exploring the real feelings of love and loss, betrayal and deceit, jealousy, joy and fantasy that the play so subtly explores. This the girls did. Sophie George's Oberon was immensely authoritative, somehow communicating masterful masculinity through breathtaking female elegance - bedecked in her louche DJ.

Her performance was just the thing to beguile her Titania played with such beauty and dignity by Sophie Weston. Ellie Kirwan's snide little Puck was pleasantly heartless while Imogen Clayton's Bottom was a veritable show stealer - as her character tries so hard to be. I could go on for it really was a subtle, intelligent production with no weak links. What is more it kept the younger members of the audience engaged and laughing and the adults amazed at how good they were. I hope these images capture some of it.

This was drama teacher Al Duncan's last production before moving to another school. He is to be congratulated for what they all achieved.
 
Article and images by John Baxter
www.getshot.co.uk

Comments

Login to comment!