Durham School Lower School’s production of Shrek was a sold out success! Even with an extra show added due to demand, the cast has stood confidently in the spotlight and the crew has worked tirelessly in running the show.
All were excited to see the show described as funny, entertaining, and very, very green! None were disappointed in the slightest. The show has been an incredible feel-good experience to end this academic year.
Mrs Brownlee and Dr Hardy, directors of the production, put many hours of work into bringing this show to life and have kindly left a message for the cast and crew.
Message from Mrs Brownlee:
This was a fabulous show. The children (many of which hadn’t done a Durham school drama show before) auditioned in January and committed to rehearsals throughout, they. They realised a few months in what a show of this scale takes to be successful – teamwork! We have high standards and pushed them – resulting in our very best show I think the lower school have ever produced. The standard of performances and singing was spectacular and we are watching this space for when these pupils are seniors – it’s going to be epic!
Shout out to our crew. Many of which are new to the team and learnt important roles like DSM, lighting, sound, mics and backstage work. They also worked tirelessly after our last show – in our show ‘get out’ which takes many hours of packing up, lifting and tidying. These children are behind the scenes and don’t get the same glory as the cast – but they are just as special and dedicated.
Our leads, Shrek and Fiona (Josh Murray and Lola Waite Y8) were phenomenal and Maggie Cleave really stood out as Donkey – putting her own spin on the show (Y7). Riley Moore (Y8) will be forever memorable as the hilarious Lord Farquaad, he owned it!
I’m very proud of all the children. Seeing the quality, effort and commitment was a special moment, when I got to watch this last night.
Message from Dr Hardy:
In addition to the pupils that Mrs Brownlee has mentioned, I’d like to give a special shout out to Olivia Gibson (Y8) who has worked really hard on her part as Dragon and really increased in confidence throughout the past few months. I must also mention Luna McRobbie (Teen Fiona) who worked incredibly hard to learn her part. She has the most beautiful solo voice and held her part in the harmonies really confidently. She’s matured so much this year.
I’d like to give a shout out to the Chorus. As Mrs Brownlee said, teamwork is the key to success. Every member of the chorus was so important. They brought their own character to their role. After some initial reluctance to sing and some concern that they couldn’t sing and do the choreography simultaneously, they glowed with pride on stage in the performances!
This was an amazing opportunity for all of our students and I was delighted by how many Year 7 & 8 pupils wanted to take part. Durham School hasn’t put on a lower school musical for many years and these students were lucky to experience this.
I’m really looking forward to working with these students again and hope to see many of them audition for the school show next year.