Acting students from Stratford-upon-Avon College are preparing to take on a range of topical themes in their final performances.
Students will showcase their learning from the past two years in shows which are open for the public to attend. One of the shows taking place is Mollies: A Deconstruction of Gender.
Based on the real historical figure of Margaret Clap, for one night only audiences are invited to Mother Clap’s Molly House. However, tragedy strikes at her beloved shop and to keep business open, Mother takes things into her own hands. A show full of drink, dance and debauchery allows audiences to study the characters journey of finding their identity and acceptance.
Not only are the students cast in the show, they have also taken on a whole host of other roles including marketing, Front of House, choreography and photography.
The show is directed by lecturer Dewi Johnson. He details why he chose this play to work on: “I came across the play several years ago and thought it would be a great piece to look at. The parallels between our attitude to gender as a 21st century audience is not too dissimilar to those of 18th Century England. It’s a topic full of exciting ideas to explore and I thought it would be a good challenge for this set of students.”
He has also provided the cast with rehearsal costumes so actors are comfortable in unfamiliar garments. The show is based in the 18th century so the cast have to contend with heels, skirts and bustles.
Rehearsal costumes are extremely helpful for actors when they are trying to get used to unfamiliar garments
The students are enjoying preparing for the show. Student Rhianna Kimber-McTiffen comments: “I’m so happy to be doing this show but sad also as I don’t want it all to be over!”
Following the course’s completion, the students will be pursuing a range of avenues to progress their careers. Lucy Edwards is continuing to Halesowen College to pursue Musical Theater, Freya Evans is going to Salford to study Theatre and Performance at university and Rhianna Kimber-McTiffen is preparing to apply to Drama schools in the autumn.
So why should you come and see the show? Dewi answers: “Life is hard and the world needs cheering up. So come and forget about the world for an hour and come and enjoy this outrageous comedy!”
To book tickets for the show visit the College’s Performance & Shows page.
