Review of 'The Acharnians'

A week before the recent exams, we had our annual Senior Play, this time the ancient Greek comedy The Acharnians, by Aristophanes. Click here for an Animoto video, here for a rehearsal video.

Now, Amelia Shirley reviews the production:-

The acting was of a very high standard this year, with participants from 4th Form up to 6th Form. Poppy Vernon opened the evening, complaining about “no one being on time”. She swaggered onto the stage in a black trilby, waistcoat and boots, only to pace back and forth, ranting on about something or another that no one could really relate to at this early stage in the performance. Her outspoken character, Dikaiopolis, was conveyed magnificently, and nothing seemed to faze her acting skills, not even the shameless Michael McBurney in his Speedos and swimming goggles.

Click here for Amelia's full review.

'The Acharnians' album

Above, a collage of some photos from last weekend's Senior Play (and see in Animoto yesterday). Below, the album itself; click on the photo for larger views, and to scroll through the pictures.

'The Acharnians' on Animoto

Above, an Animoto video of last weekend's production of The Acharnians, starting with rehearsal photos, and then ones from the Saturday night performance, taken by our Head of Photography Peter Watts. To the strains of the Overture from The Marriage of Figaro.

Tomorrow, we'll post the album here.

The Acharnians on film

Thanks to Garry Bannister, Head of Irish and major domo of all matters video, for this clip from the dress rehearsal of the Senior Play, The Acharnians, last week. We'll have plenty more on the highly successful production later this week, including lots of pictures and a review.

The Senior Play

Last night's preview of The Acharnians to a select audience of junior pupils and staff went well, so all is ready for the two main performances tonight and tomorrow night (at 7pm, finishing 8.15pm, in the BSR). Next week we'll post a review by a pupil, as well as some photographs. Access the programme here.

Pictured, the Gorgon-head shield of the drama-queen 'warrior', Lamachus, played memorably by Robbie Hollis. Look out for a particularly melodramatic over-acted 'death' scene.

The Acharnians

Tonight in the BSR there is a preview of this year's Senior Play, The Acharnians by Aristophanes (pictured, a scene from last nights' dress rehearsal). The first full performance is on Friday, the second on Saturday, both at 7pm, and we'll have pictures and a review in due course. Click here for the programme. In the words of Mr Swift, co-director:-

Aristophanes can justifiably be named the father of comedy. From him is descended the work of Roman comedy, pantomime, Gilbert & Sullivan, the Marx brothers, Monty Python and more. But behind the often outlandish scenes there is always a serious message. The cast and directors of this production have tried to remain true to the spirit of the original in a ‘street theatre’ style which directly engages the audience, sees actors playing multiple roles, uses a simple set and few props. The semi-circular seating arrangement echoes theatre spaces of the Greek era.

The audiences are in for a lively and thought-provoking time, especially since war and Remembrance have been much on our minds recently.

The Acharnians

Time is ticking on rehearsals for this year's Senior Play (click for the cast), which will be shown in the BSR on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th November, just under two weeks after half-term. Mr Swift, one of the co-directors with Dr Stone, writes:-

This year’s Senior Play continues our engagement with some of the giants of world drama with a production of The Acharnians by Aristophanes. Set against the backdrop of prolonged war between Athens and Sparta and to be performed during Remembrance Week this play contains a strong anti-war theme. When Dikaiopolis forges a private peace treaty with Sparta he is branded a traitor before he can properly explain his motives. Along the way he must plead the case for peace to the Athenian assembly, some cranky country folk and Euripides the tragic poet.

Our performances will be in the ancient Greek theatre shape, and the company of young actors will be playing multiple roles. The actors are striving to bring their modern sense of comedy to bear on this ancient masterpiece…with some humorous outcomes. With plenty of satirical swipes at corrupt politicians and self-important generals this two and a half thousand year old play might well provide food for thought for us today.

The Acharnians, Senior Play

This year's Senior Play (on November 13th and 14th) is The Acharnians, by Aristophanes, directed by Mr Swift. An early comedy, The Acharnians is also an anti-war drama (appropriate for the week of Remembrance Day, November 11th). We'll have plenty on the production in coming weeks. Meanwhile, below is the cast list.




Dikaiopolis: Poppy Vernon
Euripides: Michael McBurney
Euripides’s Slave: Olivia Plunket
Lamachos: Robbie Hollis
Lamachos’s Slave: Seth Smith
Herald: Emma Moore
Ambassador: Millie Murphy
Amphitheos: Gina Mirow
Theorus: Robin Fitzpatrick
Nikarkos: Miriam Poulton
Megarian: Patrick Tice
Boeotian: Opeline Kellett
Ismenias: Sebastian Stephenson
Xanthias: Zara Lahme
Pseudartabas: Rob Nolan

Chorus of Acharnians
Dikastes: Jasper Pickersgill
Polypragmon: Max Kavanagh
Lakreteides: Josh Buckingham