Comedy and Tragedy: House Theatre Arts is a Triumph!

Congratulations to Tubman House for their success at House Theatre Arts on Thursday 12th October 2023! Artie and the Knights, the story of a band and their inspirational magic guitar, generously donated by Elvis Presley himself, was a triumph of entertainment! Head of Tubman House, Elli Smales, shared her pride on their win. “I’m super proud of everyone, we had about fifty people working on this together. I’m so happy for them, especially as this is our second win in a row!” 

 The new format of the 2023 competition combined House Drama and House Dance from last year into a celebration of Theatre Arts which enabled the performers in each House to showcase their talents on stage, and those keener to stay in the wings to contribute through script writing, direction, set and lighting design, costume, make up and props.  

 According to the rules the performance should be a new, original piece of theatre for a minimum of 15 actors that includes acting and dance equally. In each performance there must be a solo or a duet dance as well as a group/ensemble dance, both of which need to be integrated into the plot. Our esteemed judges were looking for a simple story that was told well and expressed through well-rehearsed and appropriate theatre skills. The award carrying the House points was for Best Overall Production and was awarded to the House with the highest standards in theatricality – imaginative and original choreography and direction, strong all-round performances, imaginative and effective design and a real sense of audience awareness. There were nine other categories that the House could win however, including Best Dancer, Best Actor, Best Direction, Best Script and even a ‘Special Award’ for merit not recognised in other areas. Winning House Tubman’s script writer, Daniel (Upper Sixth) commented “It was a really good performance and I’m really proud of everyone that took part”.  

 The five judges were drawn from a range of backgrounds, and all offered professional insights and industry experience in their assessment of the performances. Jak Ford-Lane, Actor and Writer, currently teaches LAMDA acting qualifications at LP and is a graduate of E15 Acting School; Gina Millard is Head of Performing Arts at Brackenhale School and a dancer; Dan Barber,  Actor, Writer and Old Leightonian is a graduate of RADA; Pippa Gardner is  Head of Education at the Centre for Advanced Training in Dance, Swindon; and last but not least, Phil Dunster.  Actor, Writer, Film Maker and Old Leightonian is a graduate of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and best known for his role as Jamie Tartt in Apple TV’s award-winning series, ‘Ted Lasso’. Phil Dunster expressed “I love, love, loved it tonight! It really brought me back to when I was here. It showed one of the best things about this school, people getting the chance to express themselves and have fun at such a supportive night. “