This year, being the start of our sixth form lives as Drama students, we felt the pressure of more work and higher expectations. As part of our AS level grade we had to devise our own piece of unique and original theatre to perform to family, friends and of course our examiner and moderator; it is easy to forget that, whilst performing in front of these people, we were in fact carrying out an examination, as the urge to entertain overthrows the normal examination nerves. The ‘drama family’ that is Year 12 (collectively called ‘Ta Da Theatre Company’) were separated into two groups in early January, and since then have been working relentlessly to present the final polished pieces.

This year’s pieces were ‘Fatal’ and ‘Whispers through the Smoke’, two pieces that were the complete antithesis to one another. ‘Fatal’ was the exploration of the concept of fate : ‘welcome to time airways, we hope you’ll fly with us time after time’. The audience were absorbed straight into an aeroplane scenario as they were shown to their seats by the overly enthusiastic cabin crew, who carried out their business as flight attendants with a good pinch of Eurovision ‘cheese’! Whilst the audience were shown to their seats, they became completely oblivious to the presence of a certain individual. Who was he? What was he? And what relation did he have to each character within the story? ‘Fatal’ proved to be an emotional journey in the literal sense, and the audience were moved accordingly with tears abating just in time for piece two : ‘Whispers through the smoke’.

‘Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Silver Smoke Lounge’. ‘Whispers through the Smoke’ was an insight into the backstage of a 1920’s jazz bar, with all arguments and scandals in full view of the audience. The piece told the tale of the Silver Smoke lounge’s fall from power, once a hotspot for the glamorous, now ruined by the performers’ lack of morality with their adulteress and sinful lifestyles. The piece incorporated comedy, dance, music from a live jazz band and original songs written by members of the cast themselves. From time to time the audience needed to make the decision to whether the performers were performing on stage or not, posing the question of when performers leave the stage under its intense spotlights? The relationships between characters were ripped apart from one another as the piece progressed, leaving each of them isolated at the climax. There remains to be one question unanswered... What ever happened to the silver smoke lounge, when did it lose its flame?

Congratulations to both pieces! Everyone excelled on the night, and I can speak for all Year 12 Drama students, who are now suffering extreme withdrawal symptoms and no longer knowing what to do with themselves with no late night rehearsals to keep them occupied.

Thanks needs to go to Rickie Vale for his outstanding lighting design, Tom Bryant, The Jazz Band and the Schoolkeepers, who stayed late on many occasions so that we could rehearse.

Jonathan Riordan