DRAMA// LOWER SCHOOL PLAY
added much humour to various legs of
the journey.
In part one the grand Mayor of London
played by Rory Brooks, waved off the
adventurers from Greenwich station.
First stop was France, and Parisian
owner (Isobel Stones) introduced the
dazzling can can girls led admirably
by Katy (Louisa Chacksfield). During a
whirlwind balloon trip through Europe,
Fogg and Passepartout were entertained
by an array of locals including Greek
dancers, Italian gondoliers and a lively
Spanish bull!
Their exciting adventures were
punctuated by flashbacks to England.
Queen Victoria’s (Charlie Evison)
understated enthusiasm for Fogg’s
escapades and Tom Dicconson’s
earnest portrayal of Prime Minister
Disraeli did not fail to amuse. Likewise,
Sherlock Holmes (Aleck Brown ) and
Dr Watson’s (Samuel Perry) witty
exchanges elicited a chuckle or two
while Charlotte Falkingham kept us
all in check with useful prompts about
where we were and how many days we
had left!
At Suez we met the astute Suez
Consul (Scarlett Robinson) the
perfect counterfoil to the dim-witted
Inspector Fix. The Indian leg of the
journey introduced us to the able
businesswoman, Miss Naidu (Jenni
Harrison) and stubborn Miss Singh
(Isobel Stones) the elephant rider.
Who can forget her dramatic entrance
on a steam punk inspired elephant?
Along the way we encountered the
mean, disruptive Inspector Fix (Henry
Hudson) who masterminded many
misfortunes for the travellers. A brush
with the law in India resulted in
Fogg and Passepartout’s courtroom
appearance. Here, the commanding
Judge played with great authority by
Carmen Brooks and ably supported by
her court official (Rose Newbold) were
won over by Fogg’s skilful argument
and debate.
In part two, Poppy Ducker as Hong
Kong Consul gave her stamp of approval
to the tourists venturing through China.
Audiences were wowed by the sheer
visual delight of a giant Chinese Dragon
(superbly choreographed by Alan
Heaven.) On this leg of the journey Fogg
and Passepartout met the delightful
missionary figure Ms Fotherington
(Phoebe Anderson) who facilitated
an early departure. They all set sail
on a vessel expertly constructed by
chief sailor Emma Forsyth and Caitlin
Marshall (Carnatic Purser) finally
managed to usher aboard a confused
Passepartout bound for Yokohama.
At this stop audiences were spellbound
by entertainment from Joe Colley’s
Barnum troupe. Multi talented circus
performers wowed audiences with their
various juggling and tumbling acts
culminating in a human pyramid! Latter
destinations included the Wild West of
America. The Peninsular Conductor
(Daisy Shepherd) commanded the stage
as she directed travellers to disembark
her train. Pippa Byron (Saloon hostess)
navigated Fogg’s crew through a wild
encounter with cowboys and bandits.
A threatening, Jesse James played by
Eddie Robson strut his stuff across the
stage supported by fearsome cowboys
including Ben Marson and Charlie
Miles and a gang of menacing bandits.
The final leg of the journey we set sail on
a steamer bound for Liverpool owned by
the feisty American Captain Speedy (Ed
Spink). Following more machinations
by Inspector Fix the chases through
Liverpool were expertly intercepted by
police officers Kiera Wright and Albert
Johnson. As the clock struck nine on
December 25th the crowds gathered
to give a hero’s welcome to Fogg.
Amongst them, journalists Will Jones
and Annabelle Medhurst excitedly
quizzed the travellers about their 8o
day adventures! Finally, carol singers
sang Merry Christmas to rapturous
applause as all paid tribute to the bold
explorers!
This production exuded visible
delight, an eclectic mix of slapstick,
comedy, acrobatics, dance and riotous
resourcefulness burst onto the stage.
The clever set comprised of trunks,
cogs and wheels galore (designed by
Steve Ryan) was the perfect backdrop
for the race against the clock as the
adventurers whizzed through Europe,
India, China and America! Exquisite
costumes (designed by Cheryl White)
and atmospheric music and lights lit
up the stage for an unforgettable and
memorable journey. Credit must also
go to the technical crew led by Mrs
Hudson, Ed James, Billy Spruyt and
Tom Stocks.
What Fogg and we learn by the end of
the play is that our journey in the world
is so much more than simply getting
from A to B. We hope the pupils’
Drama journeys at Pocklington School
will be equally thought-provoking and
inspiring.
THE POCKLINGTONIAN
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