Oliver! with a twist, at Rydal Penrhos School
Rydal Penrhos Dramatic Society hit the boards late March with a twist on the classic tale of Oliver. Set in World War II the cast perform in military and 40s costumes acquired from the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.
Performances took place in the school Memorial hall on Queens Drive in Colwyn Bay which has been the setting for drama in the school since 1957, prior to this they used the school hall, the gym, the arcadia cinema and interestingly the Pier pavilion.
“Sometimes you have to make a song and dance about it” says Denis Lavin, the director for the performance. “We have such a rich history of drama in the school starting in 1887 with a performance of ‘Waxworks’ right through to the present day.” Drama is available as a subject in the school at GCSE level and A-level and the strength and talent of students coming through speaks for itself.
From the West End to the Festival fringes, from the Royal Court to the Rovers Return, Old Rydal Penrhosians continue to contribute to the world of theatre and music.
“We teach acting and stage management, set building and sound, lighting and costumes, everything in fact needed for a great performance. Not every student wants to be in the spotlight but their contribution is equally as important,” Leah Cunnah, performance Director goes on to say. Leah is an English teacher in the school, but has a history of dramatic performance, some of it with Footlights in her Cambridge University days.
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