Fine performances in innovative and interactive Henry V

February 4, 2020

Ella was outstanding as Chorus and Exeter

An all-female cast impressed in an innovative and interactive production of William Shakespeare’s Henry V in front of two sell-out audiences in Monmouth.

The students at Monmouth School for Girls put in some fine performances last Friday and Saturday in the first shows under the guidance of new Theatre Director in Residence, Mr Simon Riordan.

The cast was surrounded by audience members on two sides and the fun production included live music, duelling umbrellas and a tennis ball war.

Head of Dance, Ms Rhyan Parry, choreographed combat routines with pupils from the Year 7 physical theatre ensemble group and two dance scholars.

Mr Riordan said: “We wanted to bring a new and fresh approach to Shakespeare.

“Performed in promenade and with a warring audience of England and France, we encouraged the audience to get involved on both nights.

“The cast were a joy to work with and their efforts really showed. I thoroughly enjoyed my directorial debut for Monmouth School for Girls.”

The focus in drama will now turn to Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools’ joint production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet this summer.

Auditions for pupils at Monmouth School for Girls and Monmouth School for Boys will begin shortly with the two-night production set to take place in July.

Cast

  • Henry V – Carys
  • Gloucester/Constable – Rosie
  • Pistol/Bedford – Izzy
  • Chorus/Exeter – Ella
  • Nym, Macmorris/King Charles VI of France – Amy
  • Williams/Katharine/Montjoy – Amelia
  • Dauphin/Le Fer – Willow
  • Bardolph/Bates/Salisbury/Queen Isabel of France – Milly
  • The Archbishop of Canterbury/Captain Jamy – Dilys
  • Boy – Anwen
  • Alice – Grace
  • Hostess/Fluellen – Seren
  • Sir Thomas Eppingham/Burgundy – Alice

Carys played the role of Henry V

The Year 7 physical theatre ensemble group and two dance scholars were involved in the production

The all-female cast impressed in the innovative and interactive, Henry V