This year’s school production is Charles Dickens’ ‘Great Expectations’. In the lead-up to the performance, we will be running a regular feature called ‘Production Diary’. Written by students involved in the production, either as actors or backstage crew, will detail the rehearsal process, explaining what it is like to be a part of an Isleworth & Syon production. This week’s piece is written by Sammy Standing (8A).

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Tuesday’s rehearsal went extremely well, as we progress through Act 2. The use of soundscape was incorporated in this, as the chorus made the sound of wind to accompany Magwitch as he walked down the aisle, with his walking stick knocking against the floor.

Mr McDonnell asked the whole company to show their facial expressions at one point to show the horror that Magwitch was still in the background of Pip’s life. This is an important moment in the play, as it shows Pip who has made him a Gentleman, his lifelong dream. We were also asked to show a mixture of surprise and horror, as the ensemble discovers that it was not Miss Havisham but a wanted convict.

We managed to work on the waltz at the beginning of the scene and how it was to end. This was followed by Estella leaving Pip and going off with Drummle. The hardest part of this piece was the blocking, in order to make sure that the audience will be able see everyone. Although it took a while, we were able to crack it this towards the end of the rehearsal. Overall this scene went smoothly and we managed to get a lot done.

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This production, hosted by Isleworth & Syon School in association with the Green School for Girls, will take place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 December 2014 in the Isleworth & Syon School Hall. Tickets will be available to purchase soon.

On this site you can also read about last year’s performance of ‘The Government Inspector’, as well as view a complete list of Isleworth & Syon school productions, from 1980 to the present day.

 

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