Drama lessons and major annual productions at Malsis are lead by Glenda McKenna who graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, gaining a Bachelor of Education specialising in Drama and English. She has produced classic musicals such as “Oliver” and “Bugsy Malone” as well as modern performances such as “Honk!” – the story of the ugly duckling.
Every child is given the chance to perform through Lower School nativity, and Summer shows, Junior productions in the Easter term and to audition for the Senior play in November. Stage management, lighting and sound technology are also managed by the children fostering a real sense of collaboration, teamwork and pride.
HONK! Review by Mr John Sentance, Head of Drama, Repton School.
“It is most unusual to see direction of such quality and vision in a Preparatory School production. I was hugely impressed that a relatively small school could produce something of such quality, involving so many. It was a very positive, well-motivated team effort and I was extremely impressed by the confidence and professionalism of the youngsters on stage. The cast of “Honk!” exuded commitment and energy from the stars to the smallest of the wonderful frogs!
Hector Nelson (13) who played the lead character, Drake, had the very difficult task of opening the play with a solo that lasted four minutes before he was joined on stage by the other leads. He did this exceptionally well, commanding the attention of the audience with great poise and setting the tempo of what was to come. I am told by his parents that this is a far cry from the shy little boy who joined Malsis in Year 5 and ‘wouldn’t sing a note.’ Within four years, both his confidence and singing voice have blossomed and, on the strength of his performance and his obvious enjoyment of playing a lead role, I invited him to go for a Drama award to join us at Repton and I’m very pleased to say that he was successful in winning a drama Exhibition.”
