Forward December 2015 | Page 21

SENIOR SCHOOL This was a wonderful artistic process for the 42 talented performers from Guildford Grammar School and Perth College, with our 18-piece orchestra and large back stage crew. Matthew Healy as Javert. talent well beyond his years as the deeply conflicted Javert, delivering a powerful rendition of his suicide song. Oliver Crofts, as the love struck Marius, performed his two songs, A Heart Full of Love and The Café beautifully. The two comic characters of Monsieur and Madame Thernardier, played by Oliver Nuttall and Eilish Jones respectively, carousing through their inn, unashamedly thieving and stealing from anyone and everyone, had the audience in fits of laughter. The girls from Perth College also delivered extraordinary performances, with Emily Gelineau as Eponine singing with great strength and insight, Emma Caddy capturing the innocence of Cosette and Siobhan Cotchin portraying the beautiful fragility of the dying Fantine. After procuring the performance rights, we started rehearsing the songs in Term 1, as it was crucial that the performers were completely competent with the music and singing. In Term 2 the staging came into play along with the development of characters and character relationships. Then came the set build, costumes and lighting. With the production, the excitement and expectation was also building as rehearsals intensified, culminating in a memorable stage production of excellence. The drama productions are always a worthy experience for students, stretching and developing not only their performance abilities, but increasing confidence, interpersonal communication skills, perseverance and learning to give generously of oneself. Of course, there are many people behind the scenes supporting the process, including costumes, lighting, sound, stage management, back stage crew, box office, Front of House assistants, publicity, hair and make-up. Les Misérables represents a pinnacle in Guildford Grammar School’s performance history and is a testament to the gathering of many talented people who are dedicated to high standards, a professional approach and the integrity of a creative process. Ms Jane Diamond Head of the Arts Faculty 21