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The Nightingale
The Prep School’s production of the ‘Nightingale’ provided us with a colourful theatrical treat on Wednesday and Thursday. The familiar traditional story tells of the Emperor of China who learns to appreciate the natural world through the song of the nightingale. The Year 6 soloists were remarkable for their confidence, presence and lovely singing. It is most impressive to find so many girls with this level of ability. Latifa Al Lahow made a most tuneful nightingale, whose flowing phrases contrasted beautifully with the jaunty little ditty sung by Molly Batchelor, a wonderfully automaton-like mechanical nightingale. The acting was just as proficient, and the girls are to be congratulated on speaking with such clarity and expression. Natasha Disney made a commanding Emperor, supported by her sycophantic acolytes, played with delightful humour by Freya Cartwright and Ruth Pelly. All the cast brought the song and dance routines alive, and some lovely entertainments were provided for the emperor and the audience by the jokes, circus skills and gymnastics of Years 3, 4 and 5. Mrs McClune’s gorgeous set used Chinese motifs to suggest the contrasting worlds of the court and the garden, and the combination of Miss Roberts’ choreography and Mrs Maby’s masterful accompaniment helped the girls to shine. Mrs Agg-Manning is once again to be congratulated on a really polished and charming production.
Dr Jane Lee
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