A LOWER SCHOOL PRODUCTION 2021
Adapted by Dominic Cooke
DIRECTOR’S VISION The story that weaves throughout this play is a serious one, the first time I read it I found it captivating and I loved the contrast between the scenes and stories. The urgency of Shahrazad’s desperate attempt to stay alive is intertwined with the imaginative and often funny stories that she tells. We had a lot of fun in rehearsals playing with accents, fabric and garden canes and have enjoyed the chance to play with props to see what magic we can create on stage. Knowing these stories were coming from her head meant she was making them up as she went along and we felt the ensemble of actors would be her company to make it up with her, sometimes knowing exactly what to say and sometimes playing along and creating something from nothing. As children we play imaginatively with anything and are ready to pretend that a sock is a puppet or the chair is in actual fact an oven and the door handle is a tap. When children believe in something and they invest in it, it feels real and they will not be told otherwise. We have tried to invest and believe in our own “puppets” and props too, a glove becomes a bird, a piece of fabric
becomes a river and a garden cane becomes a horse, a bow and arrow and of course a tree. We have one very special puppet too, who we are all rather fond of. To set the scene for the Middle East, we have a lot of bright colours, harem trousers and multiple scarves and pashminas. I was never trying to create an authentic Arabia, just our own colourful version of it, with each story having it’s own jewel colour at its heart for costumes and props. Characters often enter through the market souk at the rear of the stage and make use of the contents of the large pots and containers from the front. With the current state of the world, it felt more essential than ever to put on a show where the audience could escape and feel transported to a different time and place. It is likely that many of us will have to stay at home this year and miss out on the opportunity to travel abroad, so instead we hope you will enjoy this journey to Arabia and enjoy our production of Arabian Nights.
About the play Arabian Nights tells the story of Shahrazad, daughter to the King’s Vizier. Shahrazad is kind courageous, shrewd and bright, well beyond her years. And there is nothing she likes better than to read stories. In contrast the King is not quite so kind. Betrayed by his first wife, King Shahrayar vows to marry a queen every night and in the morning have her put to death. Brave Shahrazad marries the King, but she has a plan, helped by her younger sister Dinarzad. She tells a story to the King every night to save her life. The play brings together imagination,
storytelling, humour and creativity. With each story comes a message, Sharharzad weaves her magic to gently challenge and teach the King. But is it too late for him? Is he beyond hope and too consumed by the darkness of his heart? Even with all the kindness and forgiveness in the world surely it is too late, isn’t it? Watch and enjoy as the story unfolds and I hope, like me, you will love the journey and adore the ending.
The challenges of putting on a production in a Pandemic The first challenge you face when putting on any school production is what play to choose. Knowing there are so many talented students at Churcher’s, I wanted to find one for a large cast to make sure as many could have their moment to shine as possible. On top of that, it was essential to find a play that could be rehearsed in ‘year group bubbles’, a term I don’t think even existed at the start of 2020. Finally the decision to perform the play outside seemed to sit most comfortably as it gave the greatest chance of it going ahead even if the government guidance changed slightly. Also the thought of sitting outside with friends, family, a picnic and a production to watch just sounded like a wonderful, positive end to contrast with what’s been a pretty tough year for us all. The play Arabian Nights just started ticking all the boxes. After reading in the script adapted by Dominic Cooke, that ‘The original production called for a company of nine’, but that ‘The parts could happily be played by the same or more actors’ I took that him at his word. So, we have nearly 70 actors and a puppet!
Our rehearsals began online and despite numerous requests to ‘put your cameras on please’ we barely did and so we focussed on the storyline and vocal skills. When we returned to the classroom, we blocked at lightening speed to try to make up for lost time, but all the while students were wearing face masks, so I just had to hope their facial expression matched their wonderful voices. With social distancing in place it was very hard for the actors to keep their distance and not touch, especially when the script called for an embrace, or their instinct was to get close to another character and use an affectionate gesture such as a pat on the back, or holding a hand. We have been rehearsing at a distance, knowing that from Monday 21st June there is a hope that all social distancing rules will be removed, so tonight may well be the first night that the characters can interact as they’ve always wanted to!
The Court
Shahrazad Millie Morris
Shahrayar Josh Pearce
Dinarzad Katie Withers
King’s Vizier Max Cropley
ACT ONE
ACT TWO
First Years
Third Years
The Story of Ali Baba
The Story of the Wife Who Wouldn’t Eat
A story of greed, disguise, gossip and cunning When Ali Baba stumbles upon hidden treasure, his greedy brother Kasim wants to know the secret of his new fortune. The thieves and their Captain are determined to make Ali Baba and Kasim pay the price, their only hope lies with Marjanah, a clever slave girl.
Second Years
The Story of the Little Beggar
A story of passing the blame and sharing the responsibility When the Tailor and his wife invite a little beggar into their home, they feed him a fish, which results in his death. The body and the blame are passed on throughout the town.
The Story of Es-Sindibad the Sailor A story of determination and adventure
We hear of how Es- Sindibad left behind his rich upbringing to make his own way in the world. With determination, the help of some birds, and the crafty interception of a diamond collecting scheme, he makes his fortune.
How Abu Hassan broke wind A story about shame and laughter
Abu Hassan is looking forward to celebrating his elaborate wedding day, but makes a fatal error as he arises from the sofa. With embarrassment he flees the town, never to return again. Well maybe just once…
A story about magic, forgiveness and an unusual appetite
In our version Sid Newman has to explain his actions when he is seen whipping his horse harshly in the market square. We discover he had a strange and not particularly successful marriage to a wife who wouldn’t eat the food he gave her, as she had rather strange tastes.
The Story of the Envious Sisters
A story about being gullible and seeking the truth When the youngest sister marries the King, the two envious sisters are determined to ruin her happiness. They send her babies down the river telling the King lies about their birth. The children are found and raised by a kind Steward and his wife, but one day they go on a journey to discover more about their past.
The Court Shahrazad Millie Morris Dinarzad Katie Withers Vizier Max Cropley Shahrayar Josh Pearce Queen Jasmine Pycroft Jester Jake Barnes Headsman Noah Wharton
The stories ACT ONE - FIRST YEAR
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves Ali Baba Jake Watson Captain Nathaniel Joshua Ali’s Wife Freya Morrison Kasim’s wife Emily Bridger Kasim Ruari Watt Marjanah Mia Penfold Marjanah’s dance Purdy Kent Druggist Angus Cockburn Baba Mustapha Alfie Barton Ensemble Austin Smithson Anastasia Shaw Lara Odea Annabel Christmas Katie Fairbrass Elisa Zaman Matilda Bailey Olive Shanks SECOND YEAR
The Story of the Little Beggar
Beggar Cecily Morrogh Tailor Moritz Flohr Tailor’s wife Molly Taylor Maid Freya Wallace Doctor Raph Chamberlain Doctor’s wife Jessie Lofthouse Steward James Cannon Merchant Charlie Briggs Watchman Zak Wightman King Rupert Haworth Chief of Police Max Schofield Hangman Tommy Binns
Es-Sindibad the Sailor
Porter Ari Wilks Page Kian Noorani Es-Sindibad Xan Verney Ellie Greenall Will Lall Freya Wilson Ensemble Rupert Haworth Lily Brady Jessie Lofthouse Molly Taylor Iris Birdseye Issy Reed Meg Cowley Eleanor Burton Fred Hughes
How Abu Hassan Broke Wind Abu Hassan Olly Whittle All other speaking parts to be played by: Tommy Binns Ari Wilks Iris Birdseye Issy Reed Lily Brady Kian Noorani Fred Hughes ACT TWO - THIRD YEAR
The Story of the Wife Who Wouldn’t Eat Haroun Al Rashid Noah Wharton Sid Newman 1 Isaac Wetzel Sid Newman 2 Phoebe Pyke Amina Lettie Moffat Baker Jessica Lin Customer 1 Oscar Phillips Mateo Customer 2 Mariana Houghton Sorceress Tilly Discombe Wellls Percussion Lucas Pescud
The Story of the Envious Sisters King Josh Pearce King’s Vizier Max Cropley Eldest Sister Katerina Masic Second sister Cerys Rix Youngest sister Millie Morris Bahman Amy Green Steward Jack Day Steward’s wife Annabel Bates Perviz Jake Barnes Parizade Katie Withers Dervish Joe Nighy Talking Bird Caitlin Dadswell Old Woman and Head Cook Isabel Cassidy Ensemble Lauren Palmer Angelica Hooton Jasmine Pycroft Isobel Canti
The Story of Ali Baba A story of greed, disguise, gossip and cunning When Ali Baba stumbles upon hidden treasure, his greedy brother Kasim wants to know the secret of his new fortune. The thieves and their Captain are determined to make Ali Baba and Kasim pay the price, their only hope lies with Marjanah, a clever slave girl.
Ruari Watt Ali Baba Jake Watson Captain Nathaniel Joshua Ali’s Wife Freya Morrison Kasim’s wife Emily Bridger Kasim Ruari Watt Marjanah Mia Penfold Marjanah’s dance Purdy Kent Druggist Angus Cockburn Baba Mustapha Alfie Barton Ensemble Austin Smithson Anastasia Shaw Lara Odea Annabel Christmas Katie Fairbrass Elisa Zaman Matilda Bailey Olive Shanks
“He who is silent is safe”
Nathaniel Johnson
Jake Watson
Alfie Barton
Mia Penfold
The Story of the little Beggar A story of passing the blame and sharing the responsibility When the Tailor and his wife invite a little beggar into their home, they feed him a fish, which results in his death. The body and the blame are passed on throughout the town.
Beggar Cecily Morrogh Tailor Moritz Flohr Tailor’s wife Molly Taylor Maid Freya Wallace Doctor Raph Chamberlain Doctor’s wife Jessie Lofthouse Steward James Cannon Merchant Charlie Briggs Watchman Zak Wightman King Rupert Haworth Chief of Police Max Schofield Hangman Tommy Binns
“A story to put a smile on the king’s face”
The Story of Es-Sindibad the Sailor A story of determination and adventure We hear of how Es- Sindibad left behind his rich upbringing to make his own way in the world. With determination, the help of some birds, and the crafty interception of a diamond collecting scheme, he makes his fortune.
Porter Ari Wilks Page Kian Noorani Es-Sindibad Xan Verney Ellie Greenall Will Lall Freya Wilson Ensemble Rupert Haworth Lily Brady Jessie Lofthouse Molly Taylor Iris Birdseye Issy Reed Meg Cowley Eleanor Burton Fred Hughes
“My wealth was not won without huge effort, much pain and grave, grave danger”
Ellie Greenall
Will Lall
Xan Verney
Freya Wilson
How Abu Hassan broke wind A story about shame and laughter Abu Hassan is looking forward to celebrating his elaborate wedding day but makes a fatal error as he arises from the sofa. With embarrassment he flees the town, never to return again. Well maybe just once…
Abu Hassan Olly Whittle All other speaking parts to be played by: Tommy Binns Ari Wilks Iris Birdseye Issy Reed Lily Brady Kian Noorani Fred Hughes
“The whole house was thrown open for feasting”
The Story of the Wife Who Wouldn’t Eat A story about magic, forgiveness and an unusual appetite In our version Sid Newman has to explain his actions when he is seen whipping his horse harshly in the market square. We discover he had a strange and not particularly successful marriage to a wife who wouldn’t eat the food he gave her, as she had rather strange tastes.
Haroun Al Rashid Noah Wharton Sid Newman 1 Isaac Wetzel Sid Newman 2 Phoebe Pyke Amina Lettie Moffat Baker Jessica Lin Customer 1 Oscar Phillips Mateo Customer 2 Mariana Houghton Sorceress Tilly Discombe Wellls Percussion Lucas Pescud
“To be free you must forgive”
Phoebe Pyke
Issac Wetzel
Lucas Pescud
The Story of the Envious Sisters A story about being gullible and seeking the truth When the youngest sister marries the King, the two envious sisters are determined to ruin her happiness. They send her babies down the river telling the King lies about their birth. The children are found and raised by a kind Steward and his wife, but one day they go on a journey to discover more about their past.
King Josh Pearce King’s Vizier Max Cropley Eldest Sister Katerina Masic Second sister Cerys Rix Youngest sister Millie Morris Bahman Amy Green Steward Jack Day Steward’s wife Annabel Bates Perviz Jake Barnes Parizade Katie Withers Dervish Joe Nighy Talking Bird Caitlin Dadswell Old Woman and Head Cook Isabel Cassidy Ensemble Lauren Palmer Angelica Hooton Jasmine Pycroft Isobel Canti
“I know who you really are and I can tell you: you are not who you think you are”
Katerina Masic
Cerys Rix
Director Technical manager Set design and build Sound Sound and tech Backstage team
Prop making
Additional recordings Graphic design Marketing Publicity and tickets Front of house
Ruth Northey Chris Pellet Matt Bridgewater, Chris Pellet, Matt Currie Matt Currie Churcher’s College Technical Crew Maddy Gay Phoebe Davidson Charlotte Green Eleanor Pritchard Eleanor Gore Browne Georgie Stratton-Brown Sophie Crossley George Wheeler Gabriela Cassidy Monty Zaltzman Bella Gaunt Xan Verney Joe James Marcus Hadlow Amanda Inkley Vanessa Johnson Suzanne Herrington and Churcher’s staff
With thanks to… There is a huge list of people to thank, so I will do my best to name them, but if you have helped in any way I am very grateful to you all. The Performing Arts department, especially Stacey Carty and Emily Magennis for all your support and help through the process. The Churcher’s College Site Team for accommodating our extra rehearsals. Judy Stones and Catering for all our food and photocopying needs. Rosie Wharton, Lily Bradbury and Harry Dunster for your help with organising the costume cupboard and finding lost props. All the Churcher’s staff who have supported us in so many ways. Most of all the cast and crew for Arabian Nights who have made the last few months fun, rewarding and a real pleasure – well done to you all!
Monty Zaltzman is a second year student and he took on the challenge of making a Rukh’s head for the story of Es-Sindibad the Sailor. Here is Monty to tell us more about it.
Have you made any models before?
I have made a few models before this, for example I’ve made a dragon, but I haven’t really made any props.
What were the challenges about creating this Rukh head?
The main challenges were trying the keep the bird’s head light because I knew it had to be carried. It was also hard putting on the feathers.
Can you tell us how you made it?
I made it by first making a rough form out of chicken wire and covering that with brown paper and tape. Then I started to cut out paper feathers, which I glued onto the bird starting at the neck and securing with more glue and brown paper. I used a paper clay to cover the beak and to make the eyes. I let that dry and painted it.
Chicken wire, covered in brown paper to create the shape of the head
The feathers, hand cut out of black printer paper
Interview with a cast member Jessie Lofthouse
Have you performed in a production at Churcher’s before?
In my first year, I was cast the role of Grandma Addams in the musical the Addams Family. This was an incredible experience, rehearsing with people from all different years. I loved learning the songs, dances and all the costumes were fabulous! Unfortunately, Covid meant that the show was unable to go ahead, but the experience of rehearsing was incredible, one which I will never forget, and it showed me just how fun Churcher’s productions are to be involved with.
What has it been like rehearsing in a pandemic?
Rehearsing in a pandemic has been at times challenging. When we were in lockdown, rehearsals had to take place over Teams. This was difficult as technology often caused problems and we couldn’t block the scenes, which meant we had to imagine where we would be. It was especially hard not being able to see the people you are on stage with and react to their lines. However, when we came back to school, any problems we were facing disappeared and rehearsals were incredibly fun, and it was much easier being able to see others. Despite the difficulties that the pandemic has brought to rehearsals, Mrs Northey has always made them fun and enjoyable. She has been amazing through the whole thing!
Are you enjoying Arabian Nights?
Arabian Nights has been a fantastic experience. The stories are fascinating, and whenever I’m waiting to go on, I can’t help but watch the other scenes,
immediately drawn in by the mix of comedy, excitement, and tension this play includes. Rehearsals are always exciting, and it is great watching the scenes come together. The costumes for Arabian Nights are beautiful and help bring the stories to life. It is such an interesting play, with so many different elements, that make it a joy to be in. Arabian Nights has been an amazing opportunity.
Tell us about your character?
My characters are the Doctor’s Wife in the Little Beggar, and the Puppeteer in Es-Sindbad the Sailor. My role as the puppeteer has been a very interesting and exciting one. Using a puppet is completely new to me and is something I have never done before. I really enjoy using the puppet to act out the story, it is a new experience and is brilliant. My other role is as the wife of a doctor in the ‘Story of the Little Beggar’. The Doctor’s Wife is a very dramatic woman but is resourceful and knows how to get out of sticky situations. She is quirky, eccentric and determined, and has many comical lines. I enjoy rehearsing both my parts so much, they are so different, but both really fun!!