Bentley Wood welcomed the Globe Players back to the school in January for a day of theatrical productions supporting the GCSE and KS3 English curriculum.
In the morning the company, with its four actors, performed the two core GCSE English Literature drama texts, Macbeth by William Shakespeare and An Inspector Calls by J B Priestley, to Year 10 to support them in their preparation for the upcoming exams. The Macbeth production examined major themes of Shakespeare’s darkest play through the enactment of key scenes and followed Macbeth’s tragic journey from a war hero to a tyrant. In An Inspector Calls there was particular appreciation for the lead actor who played all 3 male roles within the Birling family simultaneously!
After lunch, the Players performed a Shakespeare medley called What You Will for Year 7, featuring scenes from no less than 12 of the bard’s work. Students were particularly struck by the scenes from Richard III and Romeo and Juliet and were treated to a full range from comedy to tragedy to history in a whirlwind 70 minutes.
As usual, the company lived up to its reputation of fostering love and enthusiasm for the texts through a variety of interactive performances accompanied with insightful commentary. The students were enthralled throughout the performances, which were very well-received, and we look forward to welcoming the Globe Players back to the school in the future.
Mr Nussbaum
