Putting on one play can be a challenge for any school, but producing two, might prove too much for most Drama Departments. Leighton Park’s Head of Drama, Geraint Thomas, explained, “I have always wanted to put on The History Boys, because of the reference to Leighton Park as one of the schools within the play that the ambitious headmaster wishes his school to be compared to, but I also wanted to offer our talented female students the opportunity to shine. I needed a companion piece to The History Boys that would be as demanding, but completely different in style, preferably with an educational theme. Daisy Pulls it Off was the obvious choice.”
The contrasting productions delighted audiences, many of whom attended both plays, despite the rain and floods. The History Boys brought together a cast of talented young students, who conveyed the brilliance of the young men in Hector’s class, acting alongside members of the Leighton Park staff, who brought the adult characters to full and colourful life. Daisy Pulls it Off, set in a 1920’s girls school, showcased the ability of the predominately female student and supporting staff cast, to deliver marvellously vibrant and comedic performances; incorporating farce, parody and pantomime.
Nigel Williams, Head, commented, “I am very proud of the students and staff who put in such exceptional and talented performances into two such different plays. The production of these two contrasting pieces has been a wonderful reflection of our community working together, from the set designs, created by Old Leightonian, James Humby, who is now studying at RADA, to the students and staff behind the scenes, and of course, the actors themselves.”
