Smart as Paint!

Thrilling action and adventure emanated from Leighton Park School’s Theatre last week as students put on a superb swashbuckling performance of Robert Louis Stevenson’s story, ‘Treasure Island’.

The imaginative adaptation by Bryony Lavery first premiered at the National Theatre in London in December 2014 stunning audiences as the archetypal boys’ adventure story was turned on its head. With Jim Hawkins played by a girl, the script gained a whole new dimension, not to mention quite a few gender related laughs, to the dark tale of money and mutiny.

Lower Sixth student, Letitia, embraced the role of the protagonist, Jim, and found the experience enlightening: “I really underestimated how much work goes into a production and how much the actor has to learn about their character in order to be and breath that character and to pull off a convincing performance. Not only am I grateful for the experience but this opportunity has also opened my eyes to the career possibilities in theatre because of how much I have enjoyed being on stage!”

The School’s Main Hall was transformed into a colossal ship sailing the high seas as the audience followed Jim on her quest for the hidden treasures of the infamous pirate, Captain’s Flint. With her friends, Dr.Livesey and Squire Trelawney, and the far less reputable but much grubbier, crew of the cunning Long John Silver,
Jim embarked on an adventure beset with follies and fortune.

Following specialist fight training workshops and sessions on the creations of convincing wound make up, not to mention a committed schedule of rehearsals throughout the Autumn term, students were prepared to deliver an authentic pirate-filled performance.

Long John Silver actor, Upper Sixth student Alex, reflects on the preparation for the play: “I saw the School production, ‘Parade’ last year and it looked really great and I wanted to be a part of it so I auditioned for this year’s show when the opportunity came up. Keeping up with the commitments for the rehearsals – and learning my lines! – has been hard but there has been no better feeling than at the end of a performance when everything has gone well and you can just take in the moment. I hope everyone that came to see the show has enjoyed watching it as much as I have enjoyed being in it!”

This year’s production also saw Middle School students playing key roles; Gregor (Year 9) put in an excellent performance as the mad marooned islander, Ben Gunn: “I have enjoyed taken part in the production and playing my character, Ben Gunn, because of the expression in his voice and the nervousness in the acting.”

To amplify the incredible standard of talent witnessed in Treasure Island, the new Music and Media Centre will open up even more opportunities for Leighton Park students in the Arts. In addition to dramatic performances in the Main Hall, they will benefit from three new music classrooms, seven new music practice rooms, a media production suite, a Radio 1 inspired Yamaha Live Lounge and a large foyer for exhibitions, recitals and small performances accessible to the whole community.

Upper Sixth student, George, who played Squire Trelawney, reflects on the unique Leighton Park ethos saying, “I have really enjoyed how we have worked together as a group; the community feels so much more than just a cast and because of that it really allows you to embrace performing and your character. Being a part of ‘Treasure Island’ has been really fun and I wish I had performed in one of the School productions sooner!”

Letitia agreed, adding, “Performing at Leighton Park is special because of the community; it’s definitely what I value most; the support you get from staff and the students and how they encourage you to go beyond your fears which allows you to discover things about yourself you didn’t know.”