Year 10 perform ‘All The World’s a Stage’

Have you ever watched Eurovision, and been disappointed at the lack of Tudor representation? Well, do Year 10 have a show for you. Last week, a talented troupe of 30 pupils across Berkhamsted Boys and Girls performed a novel musical, in which famous Shakespeare characters performed competing musical numbers to prove that their play was the best of all time.

The show’s unique structure combined ‘back-stage’ interviews, led by Queen Elizabeth I (Rosie B), and antics on stage to break up nine musical performances. Each was unique and centred around a different play, from an ‘emo’ Julius Caesar (Dom C) to a rapping Cleopatra. Holly, our Cleopatra, commented, “I think it’s really cool to perform a new play that no one has ever seen before. It’s been a great experience to see how the performances turned out!”

Leading this competition were our exuberant Tudor hosts, Sir Walter Raleigh and Robert Devereux, who were played by Evan R and Will P. They were a wonderfully dynamic duo for the evening, improved only by the addition of Kit (Ben B), whose comedic timing and lively audience interactions had the crowd in fits of laughter throughout.

Solo performances highlighted the confidence and talent of our pupils, including Edward F’s love ditty ‘Measure for Measure’ in full nineties attire and a cut-throat, choreography-filled techno hit from Lady Macbeth (Juliette H). Sam K, embodied by the ghost of Britpop and also Olly Murs, shone in his ‘King Lear‘ pop performance, while Rosie B tugged audience’s heartstrings with her ballad as Hamlet’s Ophelia.

There were also a number of group performances that required coordination and teamwork, including an island-time performance by characters from ‘The Tempest’ (Noah P, Holly J, Tom D and Jude A) and an enthusiastic boyband made up of the four men from ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’ (Dom C, Finlay C, Archie R and Thomas L). Thomas, a member of the boy band, commented “It’s been lots of hard work, but we’ve pulled through and done really well.”

As if our pupil performances weren’t impressive enough, there were also individuals backstage helping to bring this complex mix of digital and live elements to fruition. On the backstage team, Tom S, Shaan P and Will P ensured the show ran to plan. A special mention goes to Tom, who was also on the double bill helping out at the Year 9 play directly before.

The show was also entirely choreographed by Sixth former and boarder, Chloe S. This was no mere undertaking: 11 dances routines involving as many as 30 pupils at a time took creativity to design and discipline to share.

“I took this opportunity because I thought, hey, it’s something new and I haven’t been able to dance since I came down for boarding,” Chloe shared. “It was difficult at the beginning, but I feel like I found my footing quickly, because there were lots of people willing to help me.”

After nine impressive performances and countless funny moments, this musical had one last twist to share: the audience would vote to choose the winner of the competition! This required every cast member to memorise nine different endings: one for each act. Luckily, Year 10 were quick to rise to this new challenge, working together to ensure that everyone was ready for whichever outcome.

“The best part of the play has been forming relationships and bonding with new people,” Evan R reflected. “It’s really nice to get people from all different backgrounds together and make a show together!” Our School plays are one of many co-curricular opportunities for boys and girls to come together, making it a valuable social experience for those involved.

The success of this challenging show is testament to the creativity, hard work and enthusiasm of every member of the cast. Congratulations to every Year 10 involved, and if only we could have a nine-way tie!