‘Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of).
Ms Brown, Head of Drama, tells how research is fundamental to playwriting:
‘On Wednesday 2nd February, twelve pupils from Upper IV – Upper V went to see the production of ‘Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)’ by Isobel McArthur at the Criterion theatre. This retelling of Jane Austen’s glorious book ‘is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story. Men, money and microphones will be fought over in this irreverent but affectionate all-female adaptation, where the stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to romance.’
Our pupils took part in this theatre visit as they are participating in the National Theatre playwright competition, ‘New Views’, aimed at students from ages 14 – 19. This competition develops playwriting techniques and skills such as independent working, communication, and research through feedback and critical examination of their work. It also gives students the opportunity to understand the power of theatre and allows them to tell the stories that matter to them. And there is the chance to see students’ work performed at the National Theatre!
Through seeing ‘Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)’, the pupils gained a deeper understanding of writing for the stage. The production is a musical version of the Austen classic in which the entire cast is played by five women posing as jaunty “below stairs” staff, and it offers a riotous insight into how to stage a story for a contemporary audience.
Our twelve budding playwrights with be submitting their first drafts of 30-minute plays to a professional playwright for one-to-one feedback later this month, in preparation for the competition at the National Theatre in July.’
