NONNOBIS

NATI

HIGHLIGHTSIssue 37 Spring 2010

ST ALBANS SCHOOL

Two Lower Sixth students were presented with their prestigious Arkwright Scholarships at the Institute of Engineering and Technology in London. Alex Craig-Thompson and James Crossley will benefit from being linked to industrial partners who act as mentors during their Sixth Form studies and who provide valuable contacts in the world of engineering.

YOUNG ENGINEERS

CHESS MASTERS Our team of chess players have been making sound progress in the Yateley Manor National Schools Chess Championships. David Phillips, Darius Faiz-Mahdavi, Jonathan Phillips, Tom Latham, Hugh Myers and Zak Armstrong all contributed to knock out victories over Brentwood School 4.5-1.5 and Dame Alice Owen’s School 4-2.

FUND RAISING Members of form 2.3, with assorted parents and other relatives and with Thomas Lupson-Darnell on trumpet, raised an impressive £112.26 by singing carols in The Maltings. The money raised has gone to the Williams Syndrome Foundation, which provides help to children and funds research into this particular chromosomal condition.

Audiences lucky enough to get hold of a ticket to the main school

drama production of Great Expectations enjoyed an evening which

fully reflected the scope of Dickens’ novel. With minimal props,

a variety of scenes was played out in front of the audience: the

marshes of Kent, the humble blacksmith’s shop, bustling London

street life and, of course, the rather haunting residence of Miss

Havisham, Satis House. On stage almost throughout the production,

Enyi Okoronkwo in the most demanding role, gave a fine, affecting

portrayal of Pip, as the play traced the highs and lows of his fortunes.

David Webster as Joe Gargery gave a moving performance as the

dedicated, loyal blacksmith. As Magwitch, Simon Dean showed great

versatility in portraying the character as overpoweringly menacing in

the opening scene and, later, as a character with whom the audience

could sympathise. Charlye Simpson as Miss Havisham, in her tattered

and aged wedding dress, conveyed her character’s bitterness with

skill and Ellie Bland successfully captured the playful, but spiteful

nature of Estella. Humour was provided by many characters, although

particularly memorable were the cameos provided by Seb Kainth

as Bentley Drummle, Harry Avent as Wopsle and Max Gold as

Herber t Pocket. Freddy Sawyer, who stepped in at

the last minute as Orlick, gave a fine

performance. The rest of the cast and

the chorus contributed enthusiastically

to the lively, crowded street scenes.

The drama was very ably held

together by the two narrators,

Michael Grimshaw and Iain Gale.

The production promised first class

enter tainment and

these expectations

w e r e a m p l y

fulfilled.

EXPECTATIONS FULFILLED

Charlye Simpson as Miss Havisham