Oratory Drama's Senior Production of 'Blue Stockings' by Jessica Swale
Outstanding performances from Oratory Drama in this term’s production of ‘Blue Stockings’.
It was impressive to see Oratory pupils so confident in embracing the themes of equality, education and courage, and the struggles educated women faced in the 18th century in their attempts to improve their intellectual rights with a university education.
Georgina Ring, Head of Oratory Drama, says: "On Thursday 4 September, I stood in a theatre that was completely new to me, auditioning pupils I didn’t yet know — some of whom I had never even met before.
On Friday 30 January, I stood in that very same theatre, now so familiar, and watched with enormous pride as that same cast received a huge round of applause for a truly wonderful performance.
Proud is the word I find myself returning to whenever this production is mentioned. Proud of how hard the students worked; proud of the way they supported one another; and proud of how sensitively and passionately they told this important story. Proud of the countless hours spent learning lines, and of the care and attention they gave as they followed my direction so thoughtfully. Proud, too, of those who stepped well outside their comfort zones to perform in ways they never had before. Proud of those who gave their time to be a part of the backstage team. And proud to see the smiles on the faces of parents, teachers and friends, beaming from ear to ear.
Every character played a vital role in telling the story — if we don’t love the heroes, we can’t truly hate the villains; and if the villains don’t convince us, the triumph of the heroes falls flat. Each and every student understood not only their individual role, but the purpose it served within the story as a whole, and they told it with such conviction.
We are all feeling a little sad that the show has come to an end, but overwhelmingly grateful that it happened at all. Thank you to everyone who came along to support us and who continue to talk about it so fondly."
Matthew Fogg, Head Master, says “Thank you to Mrs Ring and Miss Smith, and to everyone involved in all the hard work that went into this term’s school play, which has been a triumph. It was wonderful watching our pupils being comfortable acting in a play that is so visceral and strong.”