A Dream of a Performance

ImageImageLast week the Loreto BTEC Performing Arts students conveyed their energy and commitment in the three groups’ performances of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedy, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. The audiences of friends, family and staff were treated to an hour-long version of this classic play of love, confusion and transformation in the new Ellis and Kennedy Theatre.

The students showed an impressively confident delivery of the Shakespearean dialogue, and were able to express the beauty of the play’s poetry with real skill and understanding. They also coped extremely well with the physical comedy of the piece, and the audience particularly enjoyed the hilariously over-the-top Mechanicals’ play in the final act.
 
The three productions were fast-paced, with minimal set, but the theatre’s top-of-the-range lighting equipment was used to create the darkly mysterious forest where most of the action took place. The production was in modern dress, with the costumes simple but stylish, and lots of props were used for comic effect.
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Mr Crumpton, the Drama Co-ordinator and director of the shows, was very proud of all the students involved: “I am thrilled with how hard everyone has worked on what is a really challenging play. They have all shown just what talented young performers they are,” he said.
 
The performances were a highlight of the college’s first year of offering the Performing Arts BTEC (Acting), which has been a huge success in giving students the chance to develop their practical drama skills. Staff and student audience-members agreed that the dedication and excellence of the performers was a delight to watch.