On the Thursday before Half Term, the Old Gym was rocking once again to the sound of laughter and applause as the Year 6 children took to the stage in the annual Year 6 Informal Plays.
Well-supported by family members, the children performed with confidence, clarity and commitment. Two plays were performed, one a satirical look at the pandemic; the other a spoof version of ‘Bake Off’, they were written, produced and performed by the Y6 children.
6dH presented ‘Jack and the Magic Beans’ by Annabel S, a twist on the ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ story where Fairyland is in grave danger from a previously unknown virus.
With a cast of thousands including news reporters, police officers, restaurateurs and even Boris Johnson, 6dH entertained the crowd with a joke-laden story about the medicinal properties of magic beans being the cure for Fairyland Covid. With energetic performances, bold characters and great impressions, the children gave us an insight into the pandemic from a child’s point of view.
In contrast, 6L presented ‘The Great Fairy Tale Bake-Off’ by Fleur dH and Phoebe H, a slapstick, spoof version of the popular TV show. Hosted by Puss in Boots, we met a range of fairyland bakers from the confident Little Red Riding Hood to the incompetent Prince Charming. Goldilocks, another contestant, who was desperate to show off her porridge flapjacks, is fed up with characters from Red Riding Hood’s story always winning the competition (owing to the fact Grandma is the head judge). Chaos ensues as the contestants all chase the top prize. With cakes, cookies and commercials 6L kept the audience laughing right up to the custard pie throwing finale!
Both classes in Year 6 have worked extremely hard over the last few weeks on this project. Using the scripts as a starting point, further material was added in English and Drama lessons. This collaborative approach was beneficial to all. Right up to the final performance, the children took responsibility for organising costumes, baking cakes, making jelly, lending boots, bridles, face masks, lip gloss, whoopee cushions and fairy wings. Better still, most of the sharing of props and costumes was across the two classes. This level of support and cooperation epitomises Drama at MHS.
The children can be immensely proud of the outstanding performances they delivered to the appreciative audience, creating memories that will be treasured for many years.
Mr Little, Head of Drama