Year 9 perform ‘As You Like It’

Shakespeare may have a reputation for being challenging, but Year 9’s performance of ‘As You Like it’ last week proved that his words can still shine. Our troupe of 20 Year 9 thespians brought life and emotion to Shakespeare’s original lines with spirit, maturity and a good dose of humour.

Set in the Forest of Arden, ‘As You Like it’ is a tale of love, humour and enough weddings to shame a ‘90s rom-com. At the centre of the play stand lovers Orlando and Rosalind, played with charm by Joe R and Gracie A, as they navigate disguise, misdirection and a roving forest lion.

“This was my first senior school production,” Joe shared, “and I really enjoyed the rehearsal process- even learning lots of lines!” His passionate performance was complemented by Gracie’s confident portrayal of Rosalind. Gracie shared that her favourite part of being Rosalind was “the costume.” “It was really fun doing quick changes,” she commented.

Rosalind was never without her steadfast and caring best friend Celia, played by Lucy K. Her pairing at the final curtain with Mia M’s Oliver was cause for celebration, bringing his villainous arc firmly to an end.

They were joined at the finale’s quad-wedding by the whirlwind romance of Touchstone (Alexa J) and unwitting Audrey (Sienna S), and the hilariously woeful relationship of shepherds Silvius (Ted D) and Phoebe (Isla J). Ted’s expressive slapstick reactions to Isla’s rejections were a comic highlight. “I just loved being in the Shepherd’s hut,” Ted shared. “It was a lot of giggles!”

Beyond the lovers, Alex W delivered a commandingly villainous Duke Frederick, while Wilson A and Madison F brought a hippie-style modern take on the banished Duke Senior and Jacques. Standout moments included Wilson’s guitar interlude, his impressive array of hats, and Madison’s entertaining rendition of the iconic speech, ‘All the World’s a Stage’- not to be confused with our Year 10 play!

Ensemble members Albert R, Jess B, Charlotte A, Ellie H, Sophie S, Theo M and Tristan D, Rory F and Olivia A, also deserve special props for their versatility, each switching between multiple roles to shape Shakespeare’s Arden.

Pupils didn’t just shine on stage at this show. On the stage crew, Tom S, Oscar G, George P, Eddie A and Henry H ensured that the show ran swimmingly, while Nick D assisted Miss Jarvis in direction.

“It was really fun directing,” Nick commented. “I particularly enjoyed the audition process, as it let me see the other side of staging a play.”

The quality of performance from every Year 9 pupil was remarkable, and we’re so proud of the way they approached this challenging text and brought it to life. This talented bunch proved how Aiming High with Integrity and Being Adventurous in drama can create something truly special. Encore!