Performances galore at CCCS
At this time of year, every day brings something to savour. On Tuesday and Wednesday I was able to watch Form 3 and 4’s production of Goldilocks, a witty re-telling of the old story by Roald Dahl. In it,
Goldilocks is revealed as a “delinquent” and is eventually chased away by a vicious Baby Bear. Every line was beautifully delivered and all the children’s performances were full of vitality. The vast majority of the production was sung and we could hear every word. I loved the way in which a group of neatly- blazered, attentive young boys had been transformed into a troupe of actors costumed in bear kit, fabulous wigs, policemen's uniform and colourful 19 Century doublets. They were able to transport us immediately to the world of a fairytale. This power to allow an audience to imagine they are elsewhere, is something which children love to command, and I was delighted to be at its mercy!
The same was true this morning when Form 8 took part in their annual French play. It was Les Trois
Mousquetaires – and a very lively production it was too. Madame Williams, whom I had met at the beginning of the day, mentioned that some of the Form 8 boys who were performing today, had been in the School since Reception when she had been teaching them French and so she felt very proud of them. And so she should have done. The boys spoke with great panache and confidence and it was wonderful to see people whom I speak to everyday in English, transformed into fluent French speakers! I was also struck by the warmth of their evident camaraderie – how appropriate then that the play ended with the line most often associated with the Musketeers - “Un pour tous et tous pour un!"
Talking of dramatic performances, I thought it worth mentioning that one of our more famous old boys, Toby Jones, (who was at CCCS in the 1980s) the star of many films and television programmes, including the recently released Mr Bates V the post office (in which he takes the title role) and indeed the voice of Dobby in the Harry Potter films, is appearing in a West End production of Shakespeare’s gripping tragedy Othello. In it he will play one of the playwright’s most terrifying villains, Iago, a role much suited to Jones’s complex character portrayal. There is a long tradition of world-famous English film stars returning to the theatre, a much more exciting environment, I imagine, than the film studio, and one where the real depth of their talent is fully demonstrated. The adrenalin of the theatre though comes with a down-side - hard work. The theatre requires the actors to perform night after night for long periods of time. Nonetheless it is one of the most exciting experiences to watch a world class actor perform on stage. I would therefore encourage you to try to get tickets before they sell out. It’s at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, a theatre with one of the longest traditions in the West End and with a supremely beautiful understated facade by the leading Regency architect, John Nash. Follow the link here: Othello | Official Theatre Website I have already booked my tickets. My only hesitation is that it does say it is only suitable for children aged 12 and above, so this may be a Form 8 or parents only outing!
The day began with the Christingle service in the Cathedral. I was standing with the new chaplain as the school started to arrive. The Nursery were first, all of them attached to their rope. The girls and boys from Pre-Prep then appeared, all showing signs of great excitement about the thought of holding the Christingles that they had made. They were followed by the Prep School boys for whom a Friday trip to the Cathedral is standard. As they arrived, they were joined by the Cathedral choristers who were rushing in through the cloister door from their morning rehearsal in the Chapter Parlour. But this was only part of the story. Joining us were huge numbers of parents who were there to see their children sing and explain the meaning of the Christingle. And, of course, dotted amongst the pupils were the staff, guiding and supporting, paying attention to their charges. The whole School community was here, gathered in our chapel. I felt a huge sense of affection for this wonderful supportive family of which I am so privileged to be a member.
