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Dramatic Society The Royal School Dramatic Society has been responsible for many show stopping performances of shows such as The King and I, Theatre of Blood, Guys and Dolls, Oliver, Romeo and Juliet and My Fair Lady. Each and every year auditions are held for the much anticipated production. The audience response on each night of the production indicates that it has been a success and the response remains the same year in, year out. The "School Play" is a much anticipated event during which students get the chance to express themselves and meet new people and each year the cast comes away knowing somebody new. After 20 Years at the forefront of RSD Drama, Mrs. Hobson has stood down and passed the reigns over to Mr. Moore who has had previous experience at Portadown College.
The Visit The Visitors Claire Zachanassian – Kirsty McMullan To take on such a "cold-hearted and calculated" character as Claire Zachanassian was always going to be a challenge for warm and bubbly Kirsty, so it's no wonder she finds the role "complex to play", and something of an opposite to characters she would usually perform. For this reason Kirsty says she is "very nervous" about the performance, but knows that her love of being on stage will make it all worthwhile. And "a love of being on stage" she certainly has! With her 12 years of Speech and Drama tuition, as well as her part in the production of "Theatre of Blood" and "The King and I" over the past two years, it seems only natural that this year Kirsty steps up to the spotlight and takes on the lead role. On a finishing note, she said her favourite line in the whole play was "I love men in shorts and vests - they look so natural". Well it certainly sounds like something that would come from Kirsty herself, so perhaps she and Claire Zachanassian aren't as different as she makes out? N.W. Her Husband VII-IX – Mark Forsythe Mark describes his characters as ‘very weak’ and ‘easily influenced’ so he is adamant that they are total opposites. Mark relishes this challenge though as he enjoys playing ‘someone different who isn’t like you’. He has obviously been taking the role seriously as he has been ‘concentrating so hard’ that he has ‘had no time to laugh’. Let’s hope that he finds some time to relax and enjoy what he likes most about the play, the ‘banter’. G.A.
Her Assistant Boby – Rachel Dunlop This year sees Rachel taking part in her fourth school production, having performed in ‘Guys and Dolls’, ‘Theatre of Blood’ and ‘The King and I’. This year she is enjoying the “variety of my role” and is enjoying rehearsals and learning more about the theatre. Apart from drama she is also a member of the choir, S.U., focus and plays tennis. She is also studying Art and Design, English and F.T. and in the future would like to become an art teacher. R.C.
Koby – Becky Steele Having taken part in a total of four of the school's productions, including her lead role as Anna in last year's "The King and I"; Becky has certainly become acquainted with the stage at RSD. Now in her final year, she takes on the part of Koby, a robotic character she describes, somewhat bluntly, as a "blind, castrated, fat man" - adding how he is, thankfully, a "total opposite" of her. Speaking of her experience of the rehearsals this year, Becky says she she has had a lot of fun with her role and on-stage partner Annie Stockdale, who plays the part of Loby. Presently Becky is studying English, Art and R.E. at A level and next year hopes to go on to study Theology at university. Regarding her career path, she is unsure of what the future holds, but would love to see herself working with people. Considering her strong ambition and creativity with the Dramatic Society, I am sure such a job with be no challenge for her! N.W. Loby – Annie Stockdale A familiar face on the RSD stage, Annie is now taking part in her fourth production. This year she is playing a character she describes as “Not like me!”, but has greatly enjoyed rehearsals, saying her most surreal moment was watching her sister act like a tree. As well as studying biology, maths and music, she is involved in numerous school activities, choir, band and the S.U. committee to name but a few. Outside school she is a Sunday school teacher and a member of Roughan Silver Band. R.C. Toby –Martin Chan Roby – Simon Ferguson
The Visited Alfred III – Chris Moore Having spent an impressive 14 years taking Speech and Drama lessons, acting has obviously always been a major interest for Chris, and like so many of the other cast members this year, he has taken part in his fair share of school productions, including last year's "The King and I", and "Theatre of Blood" of the previous year. As if that isn't enough to prove his dedication to the stage, Chris hopes to go on to study, and one day teach drama, showing the depth of his admiration for the theatrical realm, saying he simply loves "accurately portraying another character and putting on a good performance for the audience". This year, he describes his character to being very much like himself; "energetic and charismatic", making him an enjoyable role to take on. Chris says his most favourable moment of the rehearsals has been Mr Moore's most memorable quote yet; "If you all get this wrong one more time, I will throw things at you" - at least Chris will have picked up some essential skills for directing later in life! N.W. Matilda Ill – Sarah Gilkinson This is Sarah’s second time in an RSD production, having played one of the wives in last year’s ‘The King and I’. This year she is playing another wife and says “I would have a cup of tea with her any day” and her favourite part of rehearsals is that Mr McDowell always brings the cast chocolate bars. Apart from play Sarah is involved in many school societies including the choir and royal strings, and she is also this year’s Head Girl and S.U. President. She is studying R.E., history and geography and hopes to study Theology and do Church Youth Work. R.C. Karl Ill – Peter Cashel After playing the interpreter last year in ‘The King and I’, Peter returns to the stage this year as Alfred Ill’s son Karl. His favourite aspect of his role is getting to drive a car on stage although he claims, “I can’t drive to save my life”, but also loves getting to play someone completely different to himself and using late night rehearsals as an excuse to eat lots of pizza. As well as drama Peter is involved in various school sports including cricket and athletics and is also a member of the Ulster U17 Rugby Development Squad. R.C. Ottilie Ill – Bronwyn McLean This is Bronwyn’s first time in the school play but she has certainty made her mark after dropping Chris Moore in the rehearsals. This experience though has not put her off drama as she is enjoying acting like someone else and would hopefully like to continue with drama when she leaves school. She is very nervous about her performance so we wish her all the best and to ‘break a leg’, though hopefully not Chris’s. G.A.
Lady Mayoress - Cherie McCammon Cherie is no stranger to the RSD stage having been involved in the last three productions. She describes her character as “ditzy” and “pompous”, but says that if she was a real person she would “do my head in!” This year she is studying chemistry, biology and R.E. and hopes to pursue a career in medicine. She is heavily involved in school life, taking part in choir, focus and S.U., as well as working towards her Grade 8 piano. R.C.
Vicar – Sarah Culbertson Considering all the extra curricular activities she is involved in this year; ranging from the school's debating society, both the Senior and Chamber choirs, the Charities Committee and a striking amount of others, it's a wonder Sarah has had time to take on a role in the play this year. But her dedication to the stage following her roles in "Theatre of Blood" in 2007, last year's "The King and I" and a host of plays with the "CRAIC" theatre in Coalisland, has called her back, and this time she takes on the part of the Vicar. She sees her character as a woman who is, 'masquerading as "holier than Thou", but secretly is just like all the other townsfolk'...an impressive description! This year Sarah is studying English, RE, Music and Psychology and hopes to go on to become an English teacher, saying she will definitely continue with drama after she leaves RSD. N.W. Schoolmaster – Thomas Hislop Although this is Thomas’ first time in an RSD production he is no novice at drama as he is a member of the CRAIC theatre company. He enjoys playing his character as he likes “finally having an excuse to dress in teacher’s robes” and describes his character as “one of the morally stronger characters in the play”. Thomas has enjoyed meeting new people through the rehearsals and is excited about the performance, saying he is nervous but “that’s half the fun of it”. R.C.
Doctor – Ray Chan Following his role in last year's production of "The King and I", and "Guys and Dolls" several years previously, Ray takes to the RSD stage for one last time. He describes his character this year as a sly and cunning one, but for that reason thoroughly enjoys playing his role. For ray, drama has always been a deep passion, saying he "likes to be dramatic". Well for those who know Ray, we don't need a cast interview to tell us that! Despite his love of playing up to the audience, however, Ray says he will be nervous about the performance at first, but he knows he'll enjoy every minute when he gets on stage. After studying French, German and Music this year, he hopes to go on to become a trilingual translator, but says that no matter what, he will always hold on to his love of drama. N.W. Police Officer – Stuart Erskine This is Stuart’s second time on an RSD stage, having played Prince Chulalongkorn in ‘The King and I’. This year he is looking forward to playing a policeman as he “just wanted to find out if the saying that girls like boys in uniform was true”, which he now claims is “definitely true”. Unfortunately he seems to have taken the “break a leg” saying too literally as last year he broke his foot in the run up to the performance, and this year has dislocated his shoulder. We wish him a speedy recovery and that it will be “all right on the night”. R.C. 1st Citizen – Ross McLean Although he has previously been involved in school productions as part of the sound team this is Ross’ first time on stage. He likes his character as he enjoys getting to make clever and witty remarks throughout the play. He also admits that there are some similarities between himself and his character as “we both have opinions on everything”. He is currently studying History, English Literature, R.E. and Geography, but also finds time to be involved in Rugby, Access, Young Enterprise and S.U. R.C. 2nd Citizen – Ruth Gallagher Although this is her first time on stage, Ruth Gallagher seems far from nervous about her performance as one of the citizens. Instead, she claims that the most exciting part about being in the play for her is the finale. Describing her character somewhat bluntly as, "a bum who drinks" - a description her friends joke depicts Ruth perfectly; she seems to have an amazing time in her role, so it's not surprising that "having a laugh! is what she is enjoying most about rehearsals. That and "spending quality time with Mr Moore and Mr McDowell"! Currently studying French, English, History and ICT at AS level, Ruth hopes to go on to do Journalism, possibly with French, and says she would love to keep drama on as a hobby. Judging from her extreme excitement at her role in "The Visit", it would be a pretty worthy pastime! N.W. 3rd Citizen – Sarah Stockdale After being a wife in ‘The King and I’ last year Sarah has returned to the stage partly due to the ‘good craic’ of late night rehearsals. She describes her character as having a ‘carefree attitude’ and although she thinks she is like her character in some ways she hopes that she doesn’t ‘look as scruffy and run down in real life’. Don’t worry Sarah, we know its just an act. G.A.
4th Citizen – Philip Parr Philip thinks his character is ‘annoying’ due to his ‘inappropriate comments’ so he hopes they share nothing in common. He does however like the way that his character ‘enjoys getting on the nerves of those regarded as better than him’. Philip also seems to have revealed himself as a perfect candidate for the role of Romeo in the future as the part of the play he most enjoys is ‘sitting beside Ruth Gallagher’. I just hope the result isn’t as tragic as Shakespeare’s classic. G.A. Painter – Anna Jardine 1st Woman - Joy Coote 2nd Woman – Jessica Rodgers Station Master – Jenny Thompson Ticket Inspector – Kathryn Hobson Guard – Harry Shek Bailiff – Hannah Wilson
The Distracters 1st Reporter – Jayne Patterson 2nd Reporter – Amy McMullan Radio Commentator – Zoë Geddis Camera Operator – Aisling Napier Photographer – Jordan Trotter Gymnast – Gary Wong
Gülleners Danielle Beattie Jane McConnell Abby Brown Stacey Cairns Katrina Hunter Children's' Choir Daniel Perry, Matthew Stockdale, Amy Burnett, Lucy Talbot, Rebecca Donaldson, Chloe Cruckshank, Jonathon Black, Paul McMullan, Lorna McKinley, Georgia Cairns, Victoria Ferry, Susan McFarland, Rachel Maxwell, Alex McMaster, Adam Willis. Director - Mr Philip Moore This year’s play will be Mr Moore’s fourth RSD production, having previously directed ‘Guys and Dolls’, ‘Theatre of Blood’ and ‘The King and I’, all of which have been wonderful performances. Mr Moore himself has in fact acted in the Edinburgh Festival in a dark comedy called “Entertaining Mr Sloane”, and he has brought all that experience and expertise to this performance. He has directed this play once before in Portadown College and his favourite character is the school teacher, whom he likes for his “intelligence” and “morality”. We would like to thank him for all his work and dedication over the last few months in order to make this performance possible, and all the effort and commitment put in to make this show the great success that I know it will be. R.C. Assistant Director - Mr Mark McDowell Coming from Belfast Boys' Model School, Mr McDowell has thrown himself straight into life at RSD in this, his first year at the school teaching English. After getting over his initial reaction to the Royal, which was that it was very "pink and brown", he took on the challenge of assisting in directing this year's production of "The Visit" despite having little experience in coordinating such a performance before. Regardless of this, however, Mr McDowell is certainly well acquainted with the spotlight, as during his own time at Killicomaine High School and Portadown College he was very much involved in the theatrical realm, even taking on the infamous stage grouch of Scrooge in Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". He describes the play this year as "very dark, clever and disturbing" - a somewhat intriguing description! And though he has been finding rehearsals increasingly stressful as the opening night nears, he remarks now every practice has been thoroughly enjoyable and, most of all, a "learning curve" for him in his directing. So hopefully this won't be the last time we see Mr McDowell taking up a director's chair in RSD! N.W.
The King and I Cast List (in order of appearance) Captain Orton Adam Trotter Anna Leonowens Becky Steele/Rachel Brown Louis Leonowens Adam Willis The Interpreter Peter Cashel The Kralahome Chris Moore The King Steven Hunter Phra Alack Andrew Creaney Lun Tha Ray Chan Tuptim Lauren Kelly Lady Thiang Lauren Patterson Prince Chululongkorn Stuart Erskine Sir Edward Ramsay Joshua Cuddy Princess Ying Yaowlak Cindy Kwok
Performers in the Royal Dance and Drama Victoria Boyle, Heidi Geddis, Hannah Cuddy, Stephanie Patterson, Zoe Geddis, Christine Hobson, Jill Lockhart, Naomi Wilson, Lycrecia Ray, Jemma Ferguson, Laura McKee, Danielle Beattie, Sarah Cowan, Simon Hall, Gordon Anderson, Peter Cashel, Ben Dodds, Aaron Ferguson
Princes and Princesses Neil Hobson, Simon Hall, Simon Ferguson, Peter Cashel, Heather Maguire, Amy Marshall, Hannah Williamson, Amy McMullan, Nicole Menary, Jenny Thompson, Kathryn Hobson, Kerry Hobson, Rosa Wong, Macie Chiu, Ellie Leung, Wendy Cheng, Ada Chan, Yoyo Ng, Shannon Wright, Maggie Chan, Ben Pinkerton, Alex McMaster, Dan Steele, Kris Older, Alex McDonald
Wives of the King Amy Kennedy, Jayne Patterson, Sarah Stockdale, Stephanie Burton, Sarah Gilkinson, Amy Williamson, Annie Stockdale, Siân Steele, Sarah Culbertson, Rachel Dunlop, Rachel Clingan, Mary Stewart, Sarah Ferguson, Cherie McCammon, Kirsty McMullan
Slaves, Sailors and Siamese Citizens Sam Cuddy, Gordon Anderson, Mark Forsythe, Aaron Ferguson, Simon Clarke, Ben Dodds, Rebecca Edwards, Louise Breen, Nicola McCammon, Judith McLean, Emma Williams, Caroline Williams, Rebecca Saygi, Laura Saygi, Lucy Bain, Rebecca Buchanan, Anastasiya Kret, Sasha Wylie, Kristina Kovalenko, Matthew Irvine, Stacey Lee, Sophie Swaile, Chloe Burton, Michael Dodds Behind the Scenes Director Mr Philip Moore Director of Music Mr Andrew Batchelor Assistant Director Mrs Jennifer Hobson Choreography Mrs Karen Birnie Stage Management Lyndsey McMullan, Jane Willis, Mr Angus Taavo, Christopher Hobson, William Maguire, Aaron Willis, Michael Hall, Sean Ho, Michael Lam, Peter Ng, Alex Li, Eoibhe Hall, Robyn Hobson, Jade Hegarty, Hannah Wilson, Harry Shek, Luke Douglas, Samuel Vance Prompters Rachael McClean, Emily Paisley Set Design and Painting Mrs Zara McAleece, Mrs Mabel Clingan Set Construction Mr Nigel Canning, Mr Jonathan Willis, Mr Andrew Gardner Lighting and Sound Rachel Wright, Adam McCarter, Peter Nelson, Peter McMullan, Gary Wong, James Dilworth, Alex Burns, Dyllan Latewood, Andrew Montgomery, Ross McClean Costumes Mrs Wendy Chambers, Mrs Claire Kerr, Mrs Pamela McMullan with Aimée Cuddy, Claire Morrow, Camilla De-Nasri, Leanne Ferguson, Hannah Rodgers, Lauren Trueman, Lauren Beavers, Kirstie Willis, Ruth Gallagher, Sarah Kennedy, Katie Moffett, Stacey Cairns, Connie Cardwell, Chloe McCammon, Jill McMullan, Jessica Steele, Rhonda Armstrong, Lucy Bain, Laura Simpson, Emily Garvin, Cherith Hughes, Amy McKeown, Sarah Trotter, Cathy Moffett, Heather Hall, Victoria Hornsby, Nicola Haydock Hair and Make-Up Mrs Paddi Matthews with Lisa Reid, Emma Salley, Rachel Black, Kelsey Hadden, Laura Hobson, Hannah Buchanan, Lycrecia Rea, Jemma Howie, Anna Jardine, Bethany Hadden, Victoria Morrow, Lydia Preston, Rosa Wong, Karen Elliott, Lauren Givan, Lauren Hughes, Leah Cuddy, Janice McNutt, Naomi Galloway, Alison Elliott, Rebecca Gallagher Photography Jade Hegarty, Grace Stafford Programme Grace Stafford, Mr Alistair Ritchie Box Office Mr Alistair Ritchie with Rebekah Haugh, Rebecca Henry, Christine Hughes, Amy Kennedy, Sarah Kennedy, Nicola McCammon, Nicole Menary, Katie Moffett, Rachel Parr, Lisa Reid, Clem Robinson, Jessica Steele, Sarah Trotter Programme Sales Pupils from 9R, 10P, 10R, 11X, 12Y House Management Mr Philip Annesley, Mr Richard Clingan, Mr Alistair Ritchie Hall Arrangements Mr Alistair Ritchie Catering Mrs Boggins and staff
Orchestra Flute Janis Leaden Clarinet Alison Chestnutt Clarinet Alan Monteith Trumpet Kenneth McAree Trumpet Keith McAree Cello Steven Wise Double Bass Marion Haddow Percussion Colum Meyler Piano Marie Meyler
Theatre of Blood Cast List: Edward Lionheart Chris Moore Edwina Lionheart Siân Steele Lionheart’s Look-alike William Maguire Peregrine Devlin Jonathan Hagan Hectra Snipe Louise Welsby Trevor Dickman Jonathan McCarter Solomon Psaltery Sam Cuddy Meredith Merridew Joshua Cuddy George Maxwell Gordon Anderson Horace Sprout Patrick Burnett Olivia Larding Sarah Culbertson Chloë Moon Grace Stafford Inspector Boot Diane Erskine Sergeant Dogge Cherie McCammon Mrs Maxwell Mary Stewart Maisie Psaltery Lauren Kelly Priest Adam Trotter Mrs Sprout Becky Steele Rosemary ` Kerry Hobson Simpson Vicky Ferguson
Lionheart’s Entourage Claudia McClung, Jayne Irwin, Ben Dodds, Aaron Ferguson, Annie Stockdale, Kirsty McMullan, Mr. Turner Police Officers Gail Norris, Matthew Irvine, James Rea, Lauren Patterson, Rachel Dunlop
Director Mr Philip Moore Producer Mr Keith McGuinness Stage Management Lyndsey McMullan, Jane Willis, Alison Elliot, Janice Willis, Kerry McIvor, Christine Hobson, Judith McMullan, Peter Ng, Ivan Chan, Vinci Wong, Alex Li, Jade Hegarty, Cade Robbins, Bryce McGibbon, with special thanks to Mr Alan McGuinness Lighting and Sound Shane Swaile, Stewart McCarter with Dyllan Latewood, Andrew Creaney, Adam McCarter, Adam Harkness, Michael Hall, Rachel Wright, Alex Burns, Andrew Montgomery, supervised by Mr Jason Hunniford Voice and Accent Coach Mrs Jennifer Hobson Prompters Rachel Brown, Rachael McClean Cinematography Aaron Falloon, James Dilworth with Alister Irwin, Andrew McLean Set Design & Painting Miss Zara Kelly, Esther Chang, Hana Younes, Rachel Clingan, Rachel Dunlop, Sam Cuddy Graphic Design Esther Chang Set Construction Mr Nigel Canning, Mr Jonathan Willis Costumes Mrs Wendy Chambers, Mrs Claire Kerr with Kylie Beavers, Rosalind Haydock, Hannah Downing, Sophie Swaile, Judith McLean, Robyn Moffett-Crooks, Claire Morrow, Andrea Devlin, Rebecca Buchanan, Nicola McCammon, Rhonda Armstrong, Hannah Stewart, Melissa Warnock, Naomi Hall, Sarah Ferguson Make-up Mrs Paddi Matthews, Emma Salley Rachel Anderson, Amy Kempton, Rebecca Knox, Heidi Geddis, Rachel Black, Claire Morrow, Hannah Cuddy, Kathy Foster, Lisa Reid, Sarah Kennedy, Amy Kennedy, Laura Hobson, Hannah Buchanan, Rebecca Henry, Lycrecia Rea, Kelsey Hadden Photographs Ruth Reaney, Tammy Cardwell, Lauren Sutton, Kerry McIvor, Christine Hobson Programme Ruth Reaney, Tammy Cardwell, Lauren Sutton, Mr Jason Hunniford Programme Sales Pupils from 9S, 10R, 11Y and 12X Box Office Mr Alastair Ritchie with Katherine Bingham, Rachel Black, Claire Morrow, Rosalind Haydock, Rachel Brown, Melissa Warnock, Hannah Stewart, Naomi Hall, Heidi Geddis, Kylie Beavers, Kathy Foster, Emily Paisley, Vicky Ferguson, Ivan Chan, Helen Edwards House Management Mr Philip Annesley, Mr Richard Clingan, Miss Heather Montgomery, Mr Alastair Ritchie Hall Arrangements Mr Alastair Ritchie
Gallery 1: 2008-2010
Gallery 2: Previous Performances
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