By Natasha B, Year 10 Journalist Leader

Last week the drama department put on the school production, The Rover. Year groups from Years 10-13 starred in the acting roles and to get a better insight of what it was like to act in her first school play, I interviewed Year 10 Abi who played Antonio.

What was it like being part of your first school production?

“It was incredible! It was really inspiring acting with people who have done this previously, who really knew what they were doing so I could get tips off them and learn the tricks of the trade. By the end of it, it became a real community where I made friends for life with people in other year groups.”

What was your favourite memory from the play?

“I have two favourite memories. Just before the first night of it, we were in the drama studio doing a warm up and various cast members were reading out cards to support and thank each other. And also as I was on the stage for 20 minutes waiting for my cue when I finally heard it I was like “OMG, this is real.” 

The Rover is more mature than many other typical school plays – from a 14 year olds’ perspective what do you think of it? 

“Of course the play contained many important messages and themes which I think is really important that they are talked about. And by having these themes in a school production with comedic sides of it made it really fun and more easy to understand and get across.”

Why did you want to be in the play?

“I wanted to be in it because I had seen the previous plays and I wanted to give it a go. I wanted to have fun doing it and I had so much fun paying Antonio.”

Do you plan to take part in next year’s play?

“Yes, I’m planning to audition next year.  Next year is the musical so I hope it’s an interesting one with lots of good music!”

How much input did you (the actors) have on the behind the scenes? 

“The actors and directors collaborated in the prop department. The set was designed by the set team and Ms Moore and the costumes were Ms Moore’s idea. But we did have to help source parts of the costumes for example if we were wearing black jeans we would try and provide them etc.”

How connected were the actors to behind the scenes crew? 

“We had a massive connection to the tech teams as we had to work together to make sure everyone was happy with their cues, the lights etc. The tech team was a huge part of the whole production as they made it happen. As were all the other teams. That’s the great thing about the play-everyone came together to produce something amazing.”

Thank you very much to Abi for answering these questions!