OPENING NIGHT AT ROSA BASSETT
By Catharine Alonso (4Y)
"So, at last, the time had come. I stood trembling in the
wings. "You always wanted to go on stage", I said to
myself, "the more fool you! Well, here you are". The
play was "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and there was
one act to go before my debut. I could hear the ringing
voices of those already on stage. I knew their words off
by heart, but would I know my own? I thought back
over the year's preparations.
"So you want to join my Drama Club?" I could still hear
Miss Rose saying the previous summer, when I had
bounded up to her one Wednesday, my eagerness
overflowing and my eyes full of unadulterated
enthusiasm. Miss Rose had smiled cynically. The
Wednesday rehearsals had flown by, even the long ones,
when we had taken sandwiches to nibble and hot, sweet
tea in thermos flasks. I recalled the beginning and
casting of the play.
Amanda Hassan to play Puck? Why not? Dimples,
merry laughter and a mischievous grin, it was obvious.
Then there was poor overworked Quince. The group
soon put forwards a suitably harassed Jane Wallman.
Our resident red-head, Jane Stockill, tackled the part of
Bottom, self-professed actor extraordinary. By
Christmas 1975 all the cast, lords, ladies, kings, queens
(both mortal and immortal), rustic folk and fairies had
been chosen. Now was the time for hard work.
Hours were spent on the stage, under the lights, holding
up costumes of parts of them: a sleeve, some green
netting or the underskirt of last year's Rosaline! Lines
were learnt and recited to friends, to enemies, to parents
and to oneself. We were walked through the scenes,
planning exits and entrances with great care. Every
minute detail was examined; props, costumes, make-up,
stage direction and voices.
But I must return to the 4th of May 1976, I am still
trembling and tensed for the performance. A quick
glance at Oberon in the wings opposite, a fleeting smile
and we were on. At the end of the play the performers
and I felt indebted to everybody who had contributed to
the success of the play, for us if not for the school! To
Miss Rose especially, for her inspiration, determination
and boundless energy. To the other hard working staff
and that elusive gentleman, William Shakespeare, for
writing the play.""
By Catharine Alonso (4Y)
"So, at last, the time had come. I stood trembling in the
wings. "You always wanted to go on stage", I said to
myself, "the more fool you! Well, here you are". The
play was "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and there was
one act to go before my debut. I could hear the ringing
voices of those already on stage. I knew their words off
by heart, but would I know my own? I thought back
over the year's preparations.
"So you want to join my Drama Club?" I could still hear
Miss Rose saying the previous summer, when I had
bounded up to her one Wednesday, my eagerness
overflowing and my eyes full of unadulterated
enthusiasm. Miss Rose had smiled cynically. The
Wednesday rehearsals had flown by, even the long ones,
when we had taken sandwiches to nibble and hot, sweet
tea in thermos flasks. I recalled the beginning and
casting of the play.
Amanda Hassan to play Puck? Why not? Dimples,
merry laughter and a mischievous grin, it was obvious.
Then there was poor overworked Quince. The group
soon put forwards a suitably harassed Jane Wallman.
Our resident red-head, Jane Stockill, tackled the part of
Bottom, self-professed actor extraordinary. By
Christmas 1975 all the cast, lords, ladies, kings, queens
(both mortal and immortal), rustic folk and fairies had
been chosen. Now was the time for hard work.
Hours were spent on the stage, under the lights, holding
up costumes of parts of them: a sleeve, some green
netting or the underskirt of last year's Rosaline! Lines
were learnt and recited to friends, to enemies, to parents
and to oneself. We were walked through the scenes,
planning exits and entrances with great care. Every
minute detail was examined; props, costumes, make-up,
stage direction and voices.
But I must return to the 4th of May 1976, I am still
trembling and tensed for the performance. A quick
glance at Oberon in the wings opposite, a fleeting smile
and we were on. At the end of the play the performers
and I felt indebted to everybody who had contributed to
the success of the play, for us if not for the school! To
Miss Rose especially, for her inspiration, determination
and boundless energy. To the other hard working staff
and that elusive gentleman, William Shakespeare, for
writing the play.""
| Article taken from the Rosa Bassett School - Pimpernel Magazine 1977. |
Photos: Sonia King
Full dress rehearsal.
Several costume
props (such as the
"Wall") were made
by pupils in Mrs
Owen's Art Class.
Full dress rehearsal.
Several costume
props (such as the
"Wall") were made
by pupils in Mrs
Owen's Art Class.
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