King's Drama's production of "The Accrington Pals" by Peter Whelan demonstrated clearly that the King's School Ely has many talented actors and actresses who are capable of presenting a cohesive creditable performance of a standard far above usual school productions.
In a believable tale of a group of Accrington pals who signed up to fight in the First World War, the audience were caught up in the emotional turmoil suffered by them and by their loved ones in a series of smoothly orchestrated scenes.
The cast,
all with credible Lancashire accents, highlighted the typical nuances of their characters: charming Tom (played by Richard Glasspool) contrasted well with cool-hearted May (Rosie Brear).
Arthus Boggis (Tom Fitzer) and Ralph (Alex Whatley) infused the camaraderie between mates in arms and C.S.M. Rivers (Jack Riordan) proved a mature and experienced leader of his young soldiers.
One of the most effective characters was Sarah Harding (Ruth Sliwinski) who helped to draw the audience into the emotional traumas suffered by the women left alone at home.
Eva Mason (Lizzie East), Bertha Treecott (Talia Gur) and Annie Boggis (Harriet Glaister) also gave fine performances. Annie's physical assaults on her mischievous son, Reggie Boggis (Charlie Ewing) was all the more effective by the contrast between Annie's loud aggressive reactions to her lot and Reggie's slippery manoevres for survival. These two above all emphasized the underlying strength of the characters' affections.
With first rate support including amazing scenery and props, precisely timed and mind-blowing sound effects, the Director/Designer Nick Huntington, Producer Adella Charlton and their magnificent team are to be congratulated for one of the most thoughtful school productions I have seen.
For more information contact
adellac@kings-ely.cambs.sch.uk tel: 01353 653939
