Candlelit Shakespeare celebration captures spirit of The Bard

More than 60 boys took part in Tonbridge’s annual ‘Novi Shakespeare’ production on Tuesday 7 May.

This year saw performances to parents and staff of eight scenes from The Tempest. First Years from each House were involved in the hour-long event and played an entertaining mix of Prosperos, Calibans and Mirandas, among other characters.

As always, the production took place by candlelight, which added excitement and atmosphere, and was accompanied by music, including pieces by Novi music scholars in between scenes.

The English Department’s Peter Houston, who organised the production, said: “Novi Shakespeare is a Tonbridge tradition that celebrates the theatrical talents of many of our youngest students. This year we have delved into The Tempest, and I was impressed with the ways the boys powerfully communicated the struggles of those trapped on the island.

“Our show also taps into the rich history of the Bard’s work. It is thought that that The Tempest was first staged at Blackfriars Theatre in 1611 and, performed in the OBS Gallery under lit candelabras, our version aimed to capture something of the atmosphere of Renaissance drama.”