It is a dark winters night at our school theatre, a hush descends on the expectant audience as the lights dim, hooded figures can be seen in the shadows on the stage, and a sinister voice whispers: ‘Once upon a time’… and the story begins.
This year the Friary School winter production is a dramatized retelling of the classic fairy tales collated and published by the Brothers Grimm. The audience will experience a diverse range of stories from much loved classics (‘Snow White’, ‘Cinderella’, ‘Hansel and Gretel’) to the less well known but equally enchanting (‘The Musicians of Bremen’, ‘Clever Hans’, ‘The Mouse, The Bird and the Sausage’).
The production includes live music and dance each story has its own unique style and atmosphere; some are poignant, some are eerie, some are funny, and some are downright ridiculous, but throughout the evening the foreboding presence of the deep dark woods is lingering in the background.
Students in Years 7-9 who wish to join the cast for this exciting production simply need to attend rehearsals at the time detailed below (they can attend the drama, or dance, or both). If you have two left feet but act like Olivier then no problem.
We do not require students to audition but we do ask that they commit to attending rehearsals on a weekly basis; and that they will be able to attend the Wednesday evening rehearsals in November (see below for list of key dates).
All students who want to take part get a role to play
The Year 7-9 Grimm Tales weekly rehearsals are as follows:
Year 7:
Drama rehearsals on Tuesday after school
Dance rehearsals on Wednesday after school
Year 8:
Drama rehearsals on Wednesday after school
Dance rehearsals on Thursday after school
Year 9:
Drama rehearsals on Wednesday after school
Dance rehearsals on Tuesday after school
Then final show night are:
Thursday 1 December Evening (7:30 pm)
Friday 2 December Evening (7:30 pm)
Saturday 3 December: Matinee (2:00 pm) and Evening (7:30 pm)
The all-important / compulsory final rehearsals are
Wednesday 9 November (5:30 pm – 8:30 pm)
Wednesday 16 November (5:30 pm – 8:30 pm)
Wednesday 23 November (5:30 pm – 8:30 pm)
Richard Hughes, Head of Performing Arts, said: “We are very proud of our school shows and the Grimm’s Tales will be a different and exciting route for the school. All children who want to take part – whatever the year group – can do so if they sign up and come along to the rehearsals. It is a wonderful opportunity to gain confidence, make friends and have fun – as well as hugely impress friends and family come show night.”
Matt Allman, Headteacher, added: “Having read the Brother Grimm’s tales for decades, and watched Disney stories like Rapunzel and Cinderella more than once, I am really looking forward to the shows. They are always spectacular, but with the fully renovated theatre, the new sound systems, the new light systems, and more besides, they promise to be real showstoppers. The audiences are in for a real treat and it is always a pleasure to seeing parents and grandparents beaming with delight as their child steps out on a proper stage. Roll up, sign up, and see you there.”
