48
D
rama
Towards the end of the summer term, the
combined efforts of the Ashdell and Birkdale
Prep Drama departments staged a fantastic
production of the Shakespeare4kidz version
of Macbeth.
As in past productions, the collaboration
between the two schools worked well and
the boys and girls enjoyed working together.
There were several stellar performances led
by Robert McKinna’s wonderful portrayal of
Macbeth. All of the children worked incredibly
hard, some learning long speeches, which
they delivered clearly and expressively. The
fight scenes were exciting and the songs were
beautifully sung. The make-up, lighting and
sound effects gave the play a very eerie feel
and when Lady Macbeth was sleep walking
onto the stage rubbing her hands it was spine-
tingling.
Thanks go to Mrs Carter-Shepherd for all of
her hard work and to the staff who helped
with prompting, make up, costumes, etc. Well
Macbeth Review
done to all of the boys and girls involved, from the
actors to the chorus to the lighting and effects team.
It was a wonderful production and was enjoyed by all.
King Arthur
Macbeth
The Easter term would not be complete without an
appearance from the Prep School Drama Club and
this year we have been provided with an entertaining
interpretation of the Legend of King Arthur.
An unsuspecting Lancelot is tricked into taking
Guinevere to the local ‘Knight Club’, after sampling
potions concocted by the wicked Morgan and Mordred,
who are disguised as Avon Ladies, in a bid to seize
the throne from King Arthur. The remaining Knights
embark on a quest to find the Holy Grail, which -
despite a combination of modern medicine and a dose
of Merlin’s magic- is the only thing that can restore
On 21st and 22nd June we will be performing our
second school play of the year Macbeth. In our first
play; King Arthur, I played a female role. This time I
won’t have to wear a dress because there are real girls
from Ashdell School to play the female characters.
I am playing Banquo, Macbeth’s friend. After a
prediction from three witches that Macbeth will become
king, Macbeth arranges to have me killed. My friend
Robert is playing Macbeth and I am looking forward to
coming back and haunting him!
The play is a Shakespeare4kidz production. It has got
some of Shakespeare’s actual words but it has also got
some modern language and some songs. I know that
Shakespeare didn’t write musicals but this version of
the play is a good combination of acting and singing.
Macbeth is a very exciting story with witches, murders,
ghosts and fighting. We have all worked very hard
to put the play on, directed by Mrs Carter-Shepherd.
We have had great fun and I am looking forward to
the performances and to studying Shakespeare at the
Senior School.
Joel Ford
Arthur and his kingdom to former glory. Needless to
say the story ends on a jubilant note, with the whole
cast dancing in formation to the Bee Gees ‘(K)night
Fever’.
The cast performed, not only to the entire school, but
to lively and appreciative audiences for three nights,
who greatly appreciated the boys humour, camaraderie
and, of course, talent!
Many thanks go, not only to the cast, but to the crew,
who play such a vital part, and to the staff who so
kindly supported us each night. Without them the
show could not have taken place.
