Back in November, students from Seniors and Sixth Form performed in the first play the School had put on in 10 years, Scuttlers, making for a very memorable performance.
By James H - Sixth Form student
Scuttlers was such an incredible experience that I was so lucky to be a part of.
From the first read-throughs to the final performance, it was non-stop fun. The gritty script and intense drama was such a difference from what I had done in the past and a great opportunity to improve as an actor.
The play was the first play the school has done in nearly 10 years so there was a lot of excitement and nerves going into the performances, however, with the talented cast and fabulous guidance of Mrs Groves we made it a huge success!
Some of my most memorable moments in the play was being able to bond with the cast and my close friends which soon became family. From choreographing our own fight scenes to creating a Scuttlers 2 plot, I had countless laughs. I was fortunate enough to play Jimmy in the play and it was such an amazing moment for me to be able to play the bad guy (and also swing a hammer around). As such an aggressive character it is very hard to keep a straight face on stage and so I thank the cast and my friends greatly for helping me get over this challenge and in keeping straight faced on the night, I literally couldn’t do it without you.
It was so much fun and an absolute honour to act with the insane cast we had, some of which had never performed before, and to be directed by such an incredible teacher. Everyone put so much into the play, from the impressive costumes to the stunning set, I can't thank you all enough!
I had so many laughs, smiles and joys that I will take away from this. Scuttlers will be something I will hold with me for the rest of my life, I just wish I could do it all over again! It’s such a great opportunity and I would definitely recommend getting involved with the play to anyone who wanted to get started in acting, and you would be very welcome.
Thank you to everyone again and I can't wait for the next one!
Mrs Groves, Teacher of Drama, added:
“It was so exciting to be able to provide an opportunity for the students at Birkenhead School to take part in a play this year. Although a number of our students had taken part in productions before, they soon learnt that doing a straight play comes with its challenges.
Scuttlers was a play that was unfamiliar to audiences and to our students, therefore they had nothing to base it off. Everything that the audiences saw within the performances was 100% original. Students developed as actors by creating their own characters, backstories, physical theatre and their own fight choreography. The play was a huge success, with audiences commenting on the sheer skill that the students at Birkenhead School possess.
"A production with performances way beyond their years and experience. Astonishing."
"The students performed to the standard you would see at a London Drama School. Incredible!"
As always, the friendships that were made and the bonds that were created is something that the cast and crew will carry with them, always. I am so proud of the commitment and dedication that was given to this production, the students and I cannot wait to do it all again next year!”