Burgess Hill School for Girls staged stories from ‘1001 Arabian Nights’. The cast consisted of thirty-three performers from Years 7 to 9, with many more pupils taking production roles such as sound, lighting, Front of House and Stage Management.
The audience was treated to a wonderfully energetic production – a truly magical piece of theatre that delighted all the senses.
Drawing on just a few of the tales, the show skilfully weaved a beguiling narrative accessible to people of all ages and from all backgrounds. Music, physical theatre, choral speaking, slapstick and many other traditions came together in a wonderful piece of storytelling from a talented cast.
The simple set of white rostra and blocks was complemented by a huge palette of colours from the lighting design. The cast conjured palaces, mountains, forests and market squares with their physical skills. The costuming was simple, sumptuous and adaptable; allowing for some wonderful stage pictures at important moments such as Ali Baba’s cave.
In an ensemble cast it is difficult to pick out individual performers and the entire company was truly magnificent. Special mention, however, must go to Phoebe Izzard Davey who played Shahrayar; Sophie Hodgson who took on the role of Shahrazad; Emma Clarke who played the part of Dinarzad and Issra Uheba who performed the role of the Vizier.
This was yet another theatrical treat from the talented students of Burgess Hill School for Girls.