Open Air Drama Production at Caterham School

Published on isbi School News dated Friday 5th of July 2013

Caterham School's rather optimistically titled Shakespeare in the Sunshine end of term production took place on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 June. The two performances on the school's new outdoor stage were abbreviated versions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Merchant of Venice.

Despite the threatening rain clouds the audience arrived determined to enjoy the evening and were carrying picnic blankets and umbrellas.

They were treated to a magical production of The Dream - with hilarious mechanicals, magical fairies and four lovers proving that 'the path of true love never did run smooth'.

Straight from his stint playing Simba in The Lion King on the West End stage, Anton Joseph gave a cheeky and engaging performance as Puck. Making his Caterham debut, Alistair Kellaway was a quite magnificent Bottom.

The second half of the performance was a more sombre affair as Maya Ahuja-Hofheiz took to the stage as Shylock in Shakespeare's study of prejudice, resentment and revenge. Will Huke was a wonderfully serious Bassanio to Anna Gardner's playful Portia in a powerful and gripping production.

Head of Drama, Miss Lisa McMullin, said: 'This was the inauguration of our Open Air theatre and so I was delighted that over forty actors took to the outdoor stage. Despite a small amount of rain we had a fantastic evening and the audience enjoyed seeing some excellent performances.'