2 minute read
Sweet Charity
Acting
School plays at Notting Hill can certainly be chaotic but ultimately are always fabulously performed – and this year’s production of “Sweet Charity” by Neil Simon was no exception! Right from the get-go, we were all immersed in the flamboyant world of swinging sixties New York, amazed by the extravagant characters, wild music and colourful costumes! I know I speak for all the cast when I say that we were excited by the arrival of the car and glitter-ball. Whilst the set, costume and lighting is crucial to the play, I most valued the friendships I made through the shared exhaustion and laughter, which was constantly audible from the Drama Studio doors! This is my third play at NHEHS and “Sweet Charity” has brought girls of all year groups together. We will all be eternally grateful to the Drama department.
Lola Barak, Year 12, ‘Herman’
Lighting Team
In the Lighting Team, we had to understand how the lighting system works. This includes the rigging of the lights, the different types of lights and how to operate the control boards and follow spots. Thanks to David Fitch (a lighting expert whom our team closely worked with), we were able to use a variety of lights, which ranged from LEDs to moving lights with gobos, which then allowed us to enhance the atmosphere of the scene. Overall, being in the Lighting Team was a very rewarding experience as it allowed me to pick up a range of skills on what it would be like to professionally light a play.
Anushka Reddy, Year 12
Head of Lighting
Live Orchestra
I was a flute player in the Sweet Charity Band and it was, without a doubt, a brilliant experience. Despite the musical pieces being technically different to anything I’d done before, it all came together when we starting practising with the singers.
When the show dates were getting closer we all got a bit nervous, mainly because we hadn’t had much experience with accompanying live singers. But with the help and guidance of the amazing professionals who joined us, I felt more comfortable playing. The opening night was incredibly fun, and we managed to sneak some sweets backstage to sustain us! I have perfected dipping into Haribo packets without making any noise! All in all it was an entertaining experience and the perfect way to start off Year 12.
Emilia Rayner, Year 12 Musician
Costume Design
The three of us were newbies to the school production, having never taken part before. So it was quite an eye opening but exciting experience to be appointed Heads of Costume!
We’ve realised how much time and effort goes into the back stage management and it’s been a pleasure to be part of that – and see our hard work pay off! Though we’ve had wise guidance from the Drama teachers, our own creative input was encouraged and will hopefully be reflected in our costumes.
It’s been very rewarding for the three of us and our team.
Alice Wells, Rosie Glenn and Sophia Maroo, Year 12 Co-Heads of Costume
