BMAT at Shakespeare Schools Festival

On Wednesday 16th November 16 students from Burnt Mill took part in the 2016 Shakespeare Schools Festival.

Burnt Mill participated alongside three other casts from local secondary schools presenting four 30 minute versions of some of Shakespeare’s most popular plays. The performance was held at the Playhouse Theatre in Harlow. Burnt Mill Presented a version of Romeo and Juliet, which highlighted themes of sexism and patriarchy to create sympathy for the young lovers. Directed by Mr Watson, they used Japanese sword-play and electronic music to give the piece energy and give it a contemporary but timeless look and feel.

Speaking of the performance, Drama Teacher Mr Watson said “The cast all brought a youthful intensity and to Shakespeare’s lines, allowing us to tell this well-known story in a vital way, challenging the audience to experience it anew.

I think that the important thing about the Shakespeare Schools Festival is that it challenges teachers and students to interpret Shakespeare’s plays within strict limitations of time and resources. This process gives students a vital and personal insight into what is essential and enduring in Shakespeare’s plots and language.”

The full Burnt Mill cast was:

Romeo – Harry Bailey
Juliet – Maisie Felstead
Capulet – Jaden Cox
Lady Capulet – Eliza May-Omiadze
Montague – Alfi Howard-Morgan
Lady Montague – Sally Glynn
Tybalt – Izzy Baker
Nurse – Rachel Fletcher
Benvolio – Owen Stringer
Mercutio – Alex Chitseko
Friar Lawrence – Ashton Cox
Abraham – Holly Qaushi
Sampson -Juliet Orton
Gregory – Brooke Nelson
Balthazar – Georgia Sims
Paris – Aristotelis Sanozidis

Roydon Primary also tackled Romeo & Juliet as they performed as part of the SSF on Wednesday 9th November. Their performance took place at the Spotlight Theatre in Hoddesdon. The cast of 30, from the Cherry class, wore more traditional costumes for their performance, and included a group of on stage narrators to help link scenes.

Speaking of the performance, Cherry class teacher said

“We are extremely proud of the all the children involved. Their hard work and dedication led to an outstanding performance. We hope the children cherish this opportunity and remember it for the rest of their lives – we certainly will.”

The full Roydon cast was:

Prince Escalus – Oliwia Modliszewska
Paris – Dan Newnes
Lord Montague – Joseph Whitby
Lady Montague – Chloe Fenton
Lord Capulet – Dillon Copping
Lady Capulet – Poppie Law
Romeo – Gabriel Greenfield
Mercutio – Jack Seymour
Benvolio – Freya Chapman
Tybalt – Emerson Kilmartin
Juliet – Siobhan Ovonlen
Nurse – Angel Keenan
Friar Lawrence – Lily-May Lawrence
Friar John – Mikey Buck Dervish
Balthasar – Jorja Hameed
Page – Dolly Tripp
Watchmen – Roberto Borcan, Daniel Liddle, Thomas Waller
Servants – Myles Morris, Jake Daniels, Remy Speck
Searchers – Jamal Page
Narrators – Michael Bartlett, Melissa Caruso, Maddison Pierce, Millie Rozee, Micah Hamilton, Jessica Chisnall, Serife Halil