Twelfth Night: The Production

"If music be the food of love, play on.."

These lines are considered to be amongst Shakespeare’s most iconic and famous - often to be found today adorning key-rings, fridge magnets, t-shirts and so on.  At a deeper level though, we also find that, true to the genius of this renowned playwright, the first words spoken by the character often lead us straight to the essence of that character which makes him or her live and act.

We are delighted to be launching the Senior Production of Twelfth Night, a romantic comedy, which is regarded as one of Shakespeare’s ‘Golden Age’ plays, written at the height of his career for the glittering court of Elizabeth I.  This famous opening line of the play is of course spoken by Orsino, the love-sick Duke of Illyria, whose passion for the fair Olivia spurs on the play’s sequence of events.  Learning the Bard’s verse and prose, whilst making sense of it, is certainly a challenge but our talented cast of 14 actors from Years 10 -13 certainly do not disappoint.  Bringing the play to life in the lead roles will be: sixth formers Charlie, Keira, Sophie and Anais and Year 10 Naeve.

We very much look forward to presenting the girls hard work and providing a memorable evening’s experience for you and the family. 

Read the lead casts’ biographies below.

Mrs Helen de Mattos, Director of Drama 

 

Sophie:

My name is Sophie, I’m in Lower Sixth and I take Classical Civilisation, Mathematics and Psychology.  I enjoy dancing (ballet, tap, modern, jazz and pointe) and also assist in teaching some dance classes to younger students.  I love dancing and performing because it allows me to let go and express myself.  I play piano and am a part of a Young Enterprise company ‘Constellations’.  We sell t-shirts and are coming out with rings and tote bags.  I enjoy the variety in my life! 

I have been in previous school plays; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and My Fair Lady.  I love show week when everything is a bit hectic but it all comes together and we get on stage and deliver the best performances.  In the future I want to be a primary school teacher, which is a dream I have had for a long time. 

 

Charlie:

Hello, I’m Charlie.  I am in Upper Sixth, and studying English Literature, History, and Physics at A level.  I am often told this is an 'interesting combination', but such a broad range of subjects means that no day in my life is ever boring!  I have applied to continue my study of English at university, and am excited to critically investigate my favourite genres, fantasy and gothic fiction, at degree level.  

Outside of academics (and away from my biggest role as Head Girl!), I am enthusiastic about reading, performing, and playing board games with my family and friends.  Getting the chance to tackle the role of Henry Higgins in last year’s musical, My Fair Lady, is one of my fondest memories of my time at Farnborough Hill.  I will always cherish the friendships forged with those both on stage and behind the scenes.  

I am thrilled that we are taking on a Shakespeare play for this year’s production.  His plays provide a brilliant base story to manipulate into various themes and concepts, and figuring out the true meaning of the dialogue presents a pleasant challenge.  

In the future, I am planning on training to become a teacher.  In a way, teaching is a theatrical performance in itself: working to keep a room full of young people engaged, enthusiastic, and entertained.  I am hoping my experience in the productions will put me in good stead for the job I hope to have.  For now, I am buzzing to continue rehearsals for Twelfth Night. 

 

Naeve:

My name is Naeve and I am in Year 10. I am very passionate about Hockey, which I play a lot of in my free time.  I also really enjoy reading.  My favourite subjects are French and Classical Civilisation.  

Last year, I took part in the school production of My Fair Lady as part of the ensemble cast and I really enjoyed it; prior to that I was part of several productions in primary school.  I love the community that putting on a show creates and hustle and bustle of show week and I am delighted to have one of the lead roles.  Shakespeare is a challenge but, under the guidance of Mrs de Mattos and Mr Anders, I am relishing getting to grips with it.  

I hope to study Law in the future and my experience on stage will hopefully help should I ever be in a court room! 

 

Keira:

My name is Fowler; the character I am playing is Sir Toby Belch, a rambunctious old man who is always causing trouble.  I am in Upper Sixth, currently studying Art, Psychology and English, and I am planning to take Fine Art at university.  Outside lessons, I run the Improv Club for Years 8 and 9, as well as Drawing Club for all years.  I love having the opportunity to share my creative side with other pupils.  

I have always been passionate about Drama and Theatre, which is why I took Theatre Technology in Lower Sixth.  Last year, I had the opportunity to play Colonel Pickering in My Fair Lady.  This was my largest role to date and I had a blast.  I definitely see myself working with theatre productions in future, maybe behind the scenes working on backdrops or lighting.  In Twelfth Night, I am looking forward to being part of a smaller cast because this means that everyone has an opportunity to shine! 

 

Anais:

My name is Anais, I am an Upper Sixth student.  For my A levels, I study Psychology, English Literature and Mathematics.  I have applied to study Psychology at university, and hope to continue on to a career in clinical psychology.  I want to use my passion for Psychology to help those who are unwell, possibly in a hospital or secure unit. 

On a more personal level, my likes include: going for walks, reading, making porridge, and playing boardgames.  I do not like: loud noises or short poems.  My friends describe me as ambitious, good-natured, and chatty.  I really enjoy the co-curricular activities at Farnborough Hill, especially participating in music groups like orchestra and swing band. 

Last year, I played Mrs Pearce in My Fair Lady, and it was my first time in a speaking role at Farnborough Hill.  Learning how to alter my voice, facial expressions, and even my posture in order to become a different person entirely was an incredible experience.  I am normally quite an introverted person, so performing in front of a large number of people is definitely something out of my comfort zone, but something I find really rewarding.  This year, I am playing Andrew Aguecheek.  I have loved working on a comedic, foolish character, and it has been really fun to work in a pair with Fowler (Sir Toby Belch).  I am really trying to make the most of being in the production this year, as it is the last year I will be able to do so before going off to university.