At the end of January a group of Year 11 BTEC students and staff went to see 'Once Bitten', a French Farce at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond. The students enjoyed the experience of 'in the round' and the manic nature of the actors variously pursued by drowsy uncles, irate mother-in-laws and even a dead poodle! We followed this up with a workshop in school lead by Henry Bell (one of Orange Tree's producers) where students explored the 7 states of tension required to perform farce. The students rose to the occasion superbly as they switched from one state of tension to another and even included some electric shocks! ( Health & safety covered!....) At the end Henry said it was the best group of acting students he had worked with as they responded with commitment and imagination.
Hilarity all round and a great learning experience for all. Hang on, it's the wife! Aaaaaaggghhhh!!
