In the Autumn term, Kimbolton put on a performance of The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe. It consisted of three fantastic nights and one matinee performance for primary school children, filled with exciting scenes and a brilliant cast! This production has been in the works from the beginning of the school year where the cast auditioned for their dream roles in the play. After the final decisions where made, it was time to put these performers to work, and indeed they did!
However, of course, you can’t get to the excitement of the performance without the rehearsals first. Luckily enough, the cast said that one of their favourite parts of the entire production was the rehearsals as Alistair O, the voice of Aslan, expressed when he said that “the rehearsals and coming together as a cast is always the best”. Caitlin B said she was looking at the rehearsals from a new perspective this year “as one of the oldest cast members I’ve found it really fun to get to know the younger pupils!” If you were to go and observe a rehearsal you would no doubt be able to tell how much time and consideration goes into the creation of a story like this one.
The overall storytelling was brilliant, with every character coming into their own. The actors found they each had something they very much loved about their own characters: “I love it how Lucy is so happy and nice to everyone even if they’ve been mean to her.”-Kitty K ,“I just love how unhinged she is in all honesty”-Caitlin B, “ my favourite thing is that I’m finally playing a goodie!” -Alistair O. These perspectives definitely helped bring the performance to life creating an enjoyable, yet sometimes nerve racking watch.
While the actors in a play are very important, we thought we should also pay attention to the people working hard behind the stage, the people who help make the process and show better and run smoother. Mrs Parle has notably worked tirelessly throughout this term, overseeing everything from costumes, to props, to sound, and lighting. With her team of student technicians, they truly brought to life the magical and mystical world that is Narnia. Lighting colours are precisely chosen for each key moment in the performance to portray different things. For example, cool toned blues and whites are used for the White Witch’s scenes, to create a cold atmosphere for the audience. Costuming is something that was very important to the performance in order to portray not only the mythical characters, but also show the time that the play is set. Materials such as fake fur are used to do this, as well as tie dyed items of clothing made to blend in with the surroundings of Narnia. Kitty K said that she thought they “looked absolutely amazing!” and she wasn’t alone in thinking this as other cast members were on the same page, with Caitlin B saying she’s “really enjoying the costuming this year!”
Props are incredible this year, with puppetry helping to portray all the animals needed. Mrs Hollinghurst began preparations before September for this show, weaving willow to create the jaw dropping characters of Aslan, the beavers and many others in the world of Narnia. The willow was chosen to add to the theme of sustainability, following C.S Lewis’ love of nature, and its safe to say the puppets were awe inspiring, with many in the audience commenting on that being their favourite part. The cast also found the puppets to be one of their favourite parts of the entire production! I can understand why, as interacting with the brilliant puppets (that were created by our incredible technician Mrs Hollingshurst) was quite the site to see. Caitlin B (the White Witch) says that this was her favourite part of the rehearsals as “learning to perform alongside of the puppets was while a challenge, but also great fun.” Similarly, set design was equally impressive, having also been designed by the talented Mrs Hollingshurst. Tom B, who plays Peter Pevensie, said that “the set is so incredible. I loved watching as each element of the set came in slowly during rehearsals, and the final result was really amazing.”
Sound effects and music were a very fascinating element in this years production. Lucy R, a student director who’s primary role was in sound effects, said, “I’ve really enjoyed finding sound effects, whether that be in real life or online, as well as coming to rehearsals to record narrator lines which will be played over the speakers during the performance at moments where the band is playing, so that everything can be heard. One challenge I found was figuring out what to do for Rumblebuffin’s voice, a giant played by Adrian B, but working together with Mrs Parle, we were able to create something that we think ensures Adrian’s voice is still heard while also sounding like a huge giant.” The music, while it was not a musical this year, was still vital to the world building of Narnia. Played by exceptional band led by Mr Gibbs, original music was performed on the night, with pagan influences to add to the mystical world of Narnia.
Congratulations to all who performed as well as all who helped on the nights of the show, your work is greatly appreciated and all of it really paid off, but big thanks to Mrs Akielan and every member of staff involved, your late nights, and many weeks of preparation has not gone unnoticed.
By Izzy P.N, Kiera D, and Lucy R. Photos by Tiiani B
