Musical Theatre students from Stratford-upon-Avon College recently gave audiences an insight to British Theatre Director Joan Littlewood.
‘Miss Littlewood’ by Sam Kenyon focuses on the life and work of British theatre director Joan Littlewood. The play explores her legacy and impact she has had on British theatre.
Student Marianna Samara (Sammy) took on the narrator role of Joan Littlewood herself. Sammy embodied the role incredibly, displaying amazing comedic timing and wit.
Joan was portrayed by different actors throughout the stages of her life. 16-year-old Joan was played by the talented Oliwia Sarata. Despite her tragic story, Oliwia still highlighted the sharp sense of humour that Joan was known for.
Masie Heaney played Joan’s mother showing impressive emotional range. Masie did a fantastic job of embodying Joan’s mother’s resentment.
‘Joan 2’, was played by Emily Simpson. In the story Joan has travelled to Paris with her quirky art teacher ‘Nick’ played by Cecelia Magana Lucas. Emily embodied Joan’s outspoken and strong-willed behaviour amazingly.
Emily’s vocal talents and the ensembles dance skill guided us through this scene. Cecelia’s ability to capture the free-willed art teacher is fantastic.
The two male characters in Joan’s life are Jimmie Miller, played by Evan Soley and Gerry Raffles played by Isaac Wakeling. Jimmie introduces Joan into the theatre workshop scene. Evan’s solo song as Jimmie Miller was captivating.
Gerry Raffles was the man who had an impact on Joan’s heart. Issac gave everything to this character.
Pheobe Green played Joan at the point of creation of her own theatre workshop. At this time, she was in a relationship with Jimmie and flirting with Gerry. Both relationships Phoebe portrayed well. Her secondary role as Sister Mary was hilarious too.
Maddie Perkins-Clark played Joan when things were a bit tougher due to issues with funding. Maddy successfully portrayed the anger that Joan was feeling.
Mabel Carter portrays Joan when her relationship with Gerry begins to fall apart. She once again brings a unique take to Joan, encapsulating the devastation she feels about losing Gerry.
The final Joan we see is portrayed by Charlie Evans. At this point of the play Joan is in the later years of her life and her relationship with Barbra Windsor, played by Chloe Graham, is blossoming.
Emily Ridgeway played writer Shelagh Delaney, creating an uplifting atmosphere on stage. Her range of skills was highly impressive both in her role and as part of the ensemble cast.
Rosalie, played by Lily Harris, is the only character to interact with narrator Joan. Lily’s delivery of comedic lines consistently landed with audiences.
The final two performers that helped bring Joan Littlewood’s story to life were Courtenay Docherty and Hannah Cross. Courtenay played Jean Newlove, a dance teacher who worked within Joan’s company, with an uplifting energy. Hannah played Avis Bunnage, an actor who was a part of Joan’s company. Hannah’s role required her to put on a northern accent, and it showed just how skilled she is.
As always, these shows were a collaborative project, with the College’s talented Backstage Production Arts students getting involved to bring the show together. Year 2 students Ketsu Denscombe, Pheobe Strain, Emilia Hill, Charlie Green, Isla McColl, Emilia Hill, Chris Organ, Grace Fitzpatrick and Gary Gooch were a part of the tech team that helped to bring the vision of ‘Miss Littlewood’ to life.
