SCIE students performed the traditional British pantomime, Puss in Boots, in January. The play, written by Ben Crocker, former Artistic Director of the Northcott Theatre in Exeter, was a delightful experience for the large audience.
The cast of 25, which included students from across the school, brought joy and laughter to the audience, which included many families and young children. Pantomime, mostly performed in Britain around Christmas and the New Year, was a perfect choice for the time of year.
Producer Ms. Nicola said the show was an extraordinary success with everyone pulling together to ensure it was a hit. Directed by drama teachers Ms. Victoria and Ms. Bianca, the production included several other teachers helping behind the scenes – notably Lewis MacSweeney and Mike Dawick, who led the stage crew.
There were students helping backstage too, and we will hear from some of them as they describe their experience of taking part.
Vitas Fang (G2) who played the character of Jack had this to say:
It’s my first time to be part of a drama as well as a pantomime. The experience is fulfilling and marvellous! I am really grateful of Ms. Nicola, Ms. Victoria and Ms. Bianca for providing us the chance to create and spread our energy to the audience.
I still remember so clearly of the scene when children dance and laugh so excitedly and joyfully, the same as when my friends told me that it was the best play they’ve seen this year. Though we spent a long time practicing and rehearsing, the time’s absolutely worthwhile for it helped me find a new way to contribute to my community.
I am sure that I will participate in drama production again in the future!
George Fu (G1) who played Jethro said this:
Taking part in the pantomime was truly a wonderful experience worthy of cherishing. Having the opportunity to express myself, learning interesting acting skills and being exaggerated in the play felt absolutely awesome. It was also great fun doing the rehearsals with all the other cast members.
The whole experience from getting to know each other for the first time to actually performing the pantomime on stage together reminds me of roller coaster rides: having complex emotions of stress, fright and yet excitement at the same time. Overall, taking part in the pantomime was more than rewarding in all aspects, especially for my personal development.
Not just that I gained valuable relationships, memories and knowledges, but also the fact that it is literally a “squeeze toy” that relieved my pressure and acted as an escape from my daily life. If I get to make the choice again in the future of whether to join the pantomime or not, I definitely will.
Shirley Deng (G1) who played many roles, including one of the Killer Rabbits commented:
At that moment, the very moment when I’m on the stage, the curtains opened and revealed me to the crowd.
A blinding white light filled my eyes, but I stared unblinkingly at the crowd, my lips subconsciously curling into a smile, every inch of my muscle tightened, ready to present everything I’ve been practicing day and night to every pair of eyes sitting there in the red spectator seats. I knew that they were watching, and I was ready.
I’ve never had the chance to take drama as my choice of subject, due to the opinion of my parents, therefore the moment I knew that an audition came, I knew that my chance to perform, to present all my skills are right in front of me.
Of course, I put a large amount of effort into the preparation for the audition and I also asked several of my seniors for skills in drama. (a special thanks to Rachel for helping and directing me before my audition!)
The moment I got the news that I was in the play, I was so overwhelmed with joy that I thought the hardest part of this play was already over, but it was only the beginning.
I never cared about how many parts my characters had, I only cared about how I could make the audience remember me, no matter how many times I went onto the stage or how long I stood up there.
I read the script front to back for who knows how many times, getting deep inside the characters, putting myself in their places and their emotions, trying all I could to understand their thoughts and how these thoughts could be presented to the audience through my lips and my movements.
I learnt many things with the cast and the teachers during the rehearsal. I learnt that drama isn’t simply remembering a few words and saying them, it is about responding and reacting, it is about interaction between the actors and interaction between the actors and the audience.
I also made many new friends and had many memories that were memorable for life. I give my sincere thanks to everyone in the cast, to Ms. Nicola, Miss V and Miss B, thank you all for being part of this amazing trip.
Yilin Tian (G1) who helped with the lighting shared her thoughts:
I was so grateful that Miss Nicola gave me the opportunity to work on the lighting for the Puss in Boots. My experience of working on the lighting for Puss in Boots was refreshing and creative. It was exciting to see the colors of the lights dancing on the stage. I felt nervous to watch the performance in the control room, it was a brand new experience for me.
Cataline Su (G1) who was one of the backstage helpers spoke as follows:
Working backstage for Puss in Boots has been an unforgettable experience. I watched the actors bring their characters to life up close. At the same time, I secretly made sure every prop and cue was in place. It made me realize how much magic happens behind the curtains. It felt so different from watching a play as an audience member or performing as an actor.
Aurora Fang (G1), who created the poster and programme contributed the following:
Creating the programme for Puss in Boots was an incredibly exciting and fulfilling experience! It was my very first time designing a programme.
The entire process was a journey of creativity and discovery; each step, from choosing the fonts to creating the layout, was such an enjoyable challenge. I’m also grateful for Ms. Nicola throughout this process, she spent a lot of time helping me shape the final product.
Working on this project also gave me a deeper appreciation for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in bringing a play to life. I began to realize how amazing the actors’ costumes and the set design were, which made the performance feel so immersive.
Once everything was done, and I was set in the theatre, immersing myself in the fabulous play with its vivid storytelling, lively characters, and delightful humor, I understood how tough but enjoyable creating a drama piece can be. To be a part of it, even in this small way, made me feel connected to something truly special.
- Article / Ms. Nicola, Vitas Fang, George Fu, Shirley Deng, Catalina Su, Aurora Fang, Yilin Tian
- Pictures / David Hu
