Isleworth & Syon School believes wholly in the importance of the performing arts – for enrichment, to create new passions, and for the development of the whole person. To that end, we are proud of our rich tradition of theatre-style productions each year.

This year’s performance was eagerly-awaited, as the production had been cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the sheer number of students wanting to take part, the only solution was to write our own original script for the very first time. The performing arts team chose to adapt the famous Pied Piper of Hamelin story, but with a modern twist!

The play was titled ‘Rats! Rats! Rats! Rats! Rats!’ and featured 60 students involved as actors, backstage, lighting technicians, costumes and musicians. The play moved the Pied Piper story into the present day, featuring sharp satire of both British political life and Isleworth & Syon school life! Students proved adept at bringing the comedy to life, be that through wordplay or their physicality. This was certainly one of the funniest productions we have ever done. It was great to watch these students test themselves with some complex material – they thoroughly rose to the challenge. We cannot pick standout performers, but particular praise must be given to our younger students who gave confident first performances on our stage. It is clear that the future is bright for drama at Isleworth & Syon!

Performances took place on the evenings of Thursday 2 and Friday 3 December, with social distancing measures in place and the school hall kept well-ventilated. Audience numbers were strong, offering brilliant support to the boys on stage. Thank you to everyone who came along. If you weren’t able to make it this time, we would urge you to attend the next drama or music event; they really do showcase what makes Isleworth & Syon a unique choice for boys.

 

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