This week Aldenham students performed a double bill of Shakespeare plays. They demonstrated versatile acting skills through the presentation of both a tragedy and a comedy, really proving that these great plays can speak to a contemporary audience.

Both productions were set in modern day Mexico, during the Day of the Dead Festival, highlighted through the bright and skull adorned costumes, as well as the contemporary set, covered in flowers, flags and candles which twinkled atmospherically in the blackouts. The scaffolding and levels provided intrigue as cast members climbed through, sat on and jumped from this onto the built stage, which the audience surrounded on three sides, hinting at the original performing conditions of these plays.

Romeo and Juliet started the evening, enthralling audiences with the creative use of a large chorus involved throughout the production in movement sequences and strong ensemble work. There were some stunningly mature performances from the principle actors as well as incredible fight sequences.

Much Ado About Nothing followed the interval with some light relief. This delightful piece entertained the audience with lots of comic performances given by the students, as well as intense scenes. Pupils created some excellent comic characters but showed great versatility within the performance.

Overall, the productions created a wonderful and varied evening of entertainment, which audiences enjoyed over three nights of performances.