The House Drama and Music competition filled the day before half term and involved large numbers of girls from all year groups. All pupils and staff were thrilled by the four houses’ productions and their interpretations of dance, poetry and drama from their allocated continent. The content was entirely created, directed, choreographed and staged by girls, led by Sixth Formers and in particular the House Captains.
Stephen Willis, Director of Music and long-serving adjudicator of the event was ‘exhilarated and exhausted’ at the end of the day. He started by saying how much he enjoys this event that ‘embodies the spirit and soul of The Abbey’ and said that 2009 had ‘really set the standard’. He had been particularly impressed by the extraordinary dedication, imagination and organisation shown and the many musical highlights. His fellow adjudicators, Mrs Dent, Director of Sixth Form and Mrs Burn who teaches Dance were also overwhelmed by the calibre on display. Mrs Dent praised the camaraderie and commitment of the sixth formers and the physicality, movement, subtlety and sophistication displayed in the dramatic and dance sections.
Carrington interpreted Europe with highlights being a moving portrayal of Anne Frank, a musical arrangement of many national anthems and the House Mistresses appearing as vampires from Transylvania!
Paget portrayed America with a wide variety ranging from the story of Obama, an extract from The Crucible, gospel singing and a ‘Grease’ dance routine.
Kensington’s theme was Africa with Masai singing, a moving sketch about slavery, Anthony and Cleopatra, a rain dance and a comic treasure hunt linking the sections.
Ducat portrayed the colours and sounds of Asia with ambitious music arrangements and a particularly moving scene about the tsunami.
After much deliberation, Paget was announced the winners and House Captains Ana and Sian were delighted.
To see the photogallery of the day, click here.