Following the success of last year’s Third Form Greek Myths, expectations were high when, as the Fourth Form, the children took to the stage again. The BFG posed a different kind of challenge to the year group; there were no songs or dancing, and the focus was instead on telling the story, with comedic moments peppering the performance. The cast stepped up and produced a performance which was highly amusing and entertaining for all of the audience.
The production comprised of 3 individual mini-plays stitched together to tell the tale of Sophie’s encounter with the BFG - the ‘Big Friendly Giant’. Unfortunately, Sophie soon discovered that not all giants were as big and friendly, and so she and the BFG plotted to stop the Giants’ cruel child-eating raids, enlisting the help of the Queen of England and a few helicopters. The splitting of the story into sections gave rise to the opportunity for several actors to have a go at playing the characters of Sophie and the BFG. One of the parents enthused, “What an amazing show last night! We thoroughly enjoyed it and all the hard work certainly paid off.”
Drama teacher, Mr Will Evans, explained that the year group came together as an ensemble at the start of the process to generate ideas in a fun, playful and creative way. Strong casting throughout the year group and different classes made for interesting developments for the next stage of the journey. Mr Evans commented, “The children themselves came up with the majority of the ideas to bring onto the stage which we explored, refined and executed. After the Christmas break, the children returned with real determination, readiness and drive for their performances in the second week of term.”
