The audiences of the Leighton Park Senior School production of “Our Country’s Good” were in total awe of the performances by the young cast who transported them back in time to the penal colony at New Sydney Cove, New South Wales in 1789.
The play by Timberlake Wertenbaker is a modern classic and tells the story of the first theatrical performance in Australia in 1788 by a convict cast. Even for an experienced cast this is a very challenging play, relying heavily on the ability of the performers to portray the complex and multi-layered characters of jailers and convicts, set against the brutal and violent environment of the penal colonies.
The Leighton Park cast of Sixth Formers and Year 11 students did not disappoint in their interpretation of the play and the characters within it. George Pundek, playing the role of 2nd Lieutenant Ralph Clark, captivated the audience with his portrayal of a young Lieutenant struggling to gain recognition amongst his peers whilst becoming increasingly emotionally attached to the convict cast of his play. Louis Patel gave a truly menacing performance as Major Robbie Ross with a flawless Scottish accent and Andrew Knight, playing Midshipman Harry Brewer, gave a truly convincing performance of a man haunted by his deeds, before and during his life in the penal colony. Amidst the more serious scenes of the play, the audience were lifted to moments of glorious comedy through the performance of Theo Masters-Waage as the very theatrical convict, Sideway. Other key performances were delivered by Lucy Heath, Kate Green, Finty Kelly, Will Earle A’Hern, Illya Gilko, Rossy Bullard and Charlie Smee.
Geraint Thomas, Head of Drama, who directed the play, commented “Our production was tuned to the needs of a school performance and differed in some ways from a professional production, but I defy anyone, professional or otherwise, to better the emotional commitment our students made to their roles”.
Alex McGrath, Head also added his congratulations to the whole cast on delivering “such a memorable performance, with an understanding and skill far beyond their years. There is no doubt that Music and Drama are key strengths of the school, and the performance of the whole ensemble only served to demonstrate this”.