From the banks of the River Thames to the heart of the Elizabethan Playhouse, this year’s Senior Production took the audience back in time with humour, live music, and a talented cast and crew. 

Based on Jessica Swale’s script, the production was a true ensemble piece, with a lively and engaging cast telling the tale of an unexpected hero who in 1597 sets out to save the ‘Playhouse Theatre’ and to protect the livelihoods of hundreds of artists. Every pupil played a part in making the production a success, whether performing on stage, or working tirelessly behind the scenes, managing the lighting and sound. The collaborative effort was palpable throughout the months of rehearsals, making each Tuesday and Thursday a hive of activity and excitement. Reflecting on the show, Miss Tricker, Director of Drama, shared: “It’s a fantastic sensation when you read a script and immediately hear the voices of your students saying the lines and you begin to visualise it on stage. That’s the feeling I got when I read Jessica Swale’s script.” 

On stage, the actors were met with widespread applause throughout. Lionel embodied the central role of Pygge with tangible feeling, and the rest of the cast really made the most of their eccentric characters, from Alleyn’s charismatic portrayal to Equerry’s impressive comic timing. Adding to the magic was the inclusion of live music, a nod to the practices of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Two of our pupils, Franklin and Vihaan, rearranged modern tunes to reflect the Elizabethan theme, which were performed beautifully by several of our musicians on the violin and harpsichord; Alex showed his versatility by mastering the harpsichord after just two practice sessions. Miss Tricker, commented: ‘Knowing the musical talent we have at the school, and loving the use of live music at the Globe, I was keen to include these elements in this production.”  

The pupil-led technical crew, supported by our staff of highly skilled technicians, played an integral role in transporting the audience to Shakespearean London. Alban, a member of the tech crew, explained: “I have performed in a lot of school plays since I have been at WUS, and this was my last chance to see and work behind the scenes – in those often hidden ways that a production is brought to life. I was responsible for the sound for The Playhouse Apprentice, and although this aspect of the play might seem negligible, I was always aware of the responsibility of this role. Sound and lighting help to create the atmosphere of the play and also help tell the story – for instance, in the ‘rewind’ scene. Mistakes can really matter, as they are very noticeable! I really enjoyed working in the Tech Crew because it was something new and challenging for me; I loved learning how the sound and lighting systems work, and I felt an integral part of the production.” 

Mr Whyld, Director of Drama from Westminster School praised the production saying: “What a brilliant choice of play and, you really did bring out the best in all the boys involved.” While visiting Head of Drama at Broomwood Prep, Ms de Quetteville, commented: “WOW! What an ambitious production you pulled off with your Westminster boys. I was blown away by the high production values and the quality of the performance.” 

The audience shared the sentiment, with one parent commenting: “Watching the boys’ performance was truly a magical experience. We’re very grateful for the way Miss Tricker has encouraged and supported our son in his role.” 

Mrs Jefferson, Master at the Under School, summed it up perfectly: “I don’t think we’ve ever seen a performance with such hilarity! The boys were perfectly cast and delivered their performances with confidence and aplomb.” 

The decision to perform The Playhouse Apprentice was a particularly meaningful one for the School, as it honours Elizabeth I, who is celebrated as the School’s foundress at the service of Commemoration of Benefactors in Westminster Abbey, by teachers and the Under School Senior Choir also. It also pays tribute to Ben Jonson, a distinguished former pupil whose extraordinary legacy as a playwright and poet is immortilised by his upright burial in Westminster Abbey.  

School performances allow the boys to showcase their talents in new and unexpected ways and this production allowed our pupils to not only show the breadth of talent and skill they have but to also gain confidence in performing in front of an audience.