House Drama: Behind Closed Doors

For this year’s House Drama Competition, the twelve School Houses were asked to respond to the stimulus, ‘Behind Closed Doors’ and to produce an original piece of theatre lasting no more than 15 minutes. As in previous years, the creativity, ingenuity and artistic flair was in full force as the Houses delivered their finest performances.

However, only four Houses made it through to the final and the chance to perform to friends, staff, local families and judges, Second Master, John Bleakley, French Teacher, Jean-Patrick Vieu, and professional actor Edie Newman.

Ferox Hall delivered an ingenious spin off, featuring an original script inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s 2009 film Inglorious Bastards, set in a basement bar and embracing British pop culture. Parkside performed a scene from Arthur Miller,  A View from the Bridge, which used the colour of the actors’ clothes to bring to life the themes of family. Cowdrey House performed some of the most well-loved scenes from Blackadder, demonstrating great comic timing and delivery. Welldon wowed with an original script which used a mockumentary-style to explore what goes on ‘behind closed doors’ of the writers’ room, with Tom (WH5) entertaining the audience with his portrayal of a narcissistic Director, unable to see how jaded his actors had become.

Guest judge, Edie, praised the finalists in turn, from the claustrophobic intensity created by Ferox, the stage combat and use of costume by Parkside, Cowdrey’s characterisation, rapport and comedic instinct and finally commenting, that she “knew that guy” and praising the connection between the actors in Welldon’s depiction of the Director’s world.

Ultimately, Welldon were awarded First Place, with commendations given to all the finalists for a thoroughly entertaining evening.

Individual awards noted throughout the competition were also announced as follows:

Best Actor: Max (PS1), Posh

Best Supporting Actor: Ohinoyi (CH2), Over the Top

Most Creative Script: Theo (WW4), Forget Me Not

Directorial Choices: Jaden (CH4) and Devan (CH4), Cowdrey House, Over the Top