When you hear that the Queens College Eglesfield society has plans for an outdoor performance, I think that an easy assumption to make would be that this performance will include some well known faces from across the Oxford Drama scene and that it will be a musical. In the case of The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee both of these assumptions are perfectly accurate.
Theatre
I am Already Quite Glum
Grief can be defined in a multitude of ways, whether as something dark and emotional or something selfish, but never before have I considered grief as something competitive. Through the lens of dark comedy, Lucas Closs presents the grief of two young people both as a social and an artistic competition in his Mitigating Circumstances.
A Night (or Two) at the Opera
The Marriage of Figaro was at once deeply emotional and profoundly funny, drawing its audiences into the depths of the action. Set in 1990s Hollywood, this interpretation drew attention to the stories to surface in the wake of the #MeToo movement and reminded us of the corruption that goes hand in hand with power.
Stars Hide Your Fires
Upon first entering The Pilch, the initial thought in the minds of the audiences was the distinct lack of set. Beside the black and white wall hanging that was somewhat reminiscent of a colour by numbers, there was simply a blank canvas.
A Letter From the Muses
Modern society asks us to pack away our creativity in favour of conformity, but what is the true cost of this?
Spring and Summer Every Day
The play is undoubtedly a comment on society, on the lessons we teach and the ones we don't, and it was a message which was conveyed strikingly. Opening with a haunting song from Am Wyckoff's Wendla, there was the promise of a good show that did not disappoint.
More History Boys than Hot Girl
From a few too many midnight walks through the city to ginger shots and matcha before rehearsals to getting lost trying to find Latin tutorials, it has been quite the eventful term. Hilary has proved itself to live up to my belief that it is the best term of the three.
You’re Here When Nobody Asked You to be. That’s Love
Both the writing and acting successfully enabled the creation of a well of feeling that washed over the audience bringing us into the moment and allowing us to gain a sense of empathy towards the situation. Stunning performance aside, this was an invaluable lesson in grief and emotion.
Did You Really Hear Me?
Within the context of the musical there was no such thing as a happy ending; however, if life is lived on other stages then this was a stage worth forgoing a quiet night at home to watch. This show left me speechless and was without a doubt the best performance I attended during Hilary Term.
The Isle is Full of Noises, Sounds and Sweet Airs
From the moment that the audience entered we were transported to another place - our attention never being lost due to the constant presence of fantasy upon the stage. It is clear how much creative thought went into the project and the team (both cast and crew) should be immensely proud of the outcome.
Wild Rose and Pearls 