Magical, Hilarious and Full of Heart: Students Bring Shakespeare to Life
There was laughter, music and magic in abundance as Harris Academy Bermondsey students wowed audiences with a vibrant production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Directed by Ms Brown, the production gave Shakespeare's classic comedy an energetic 1970s and 80s-inspired twist. The bold creative vision worked brilliantly, bringing fresh life to the play while remaining true to its characters and humour. The outstanding cast embraced every moment, delivering confident performances with exceptional comic timing that had families, friends and staff laughing from beginning to end.
The live rock band was another star of the show. Full of energy, life and incredible musicianship, they drove the action forward and created an electric atmosphere throughout the performance, perfectly complementing the colourful production and adding to its unforgettable sense of fun.
Ms Hurd praised the students' achievement, saying:
"It was incredible that the students made Shakespeare so easy to understand because of their understanding of the characters."
The production was the culmination of months of dedication from students and staff. As part of their preparation, the cast visited Shakespeare's Globe, deepening their understanding of the play before bringing it to the stage with confidence, creativity and flair.
Behind the scenes, students on work experience played a vital role, supporting the production through sound, lighting and stage management. One of the most rewarding moments came when the adults were able to step back and simply watch as the students took complete ownership of every aspect of the show. It was a wonderful reflection of the trust, teamwork and professionalism that had developed throughout the rehearsal process.
Governor Anusha Kamath, who attended the final performance, was full of praise:
"The performance was exemplary from the very first second. Every student brought exceptional talent and a strong stage presence, and their comic timing had the whole room laughing along."
She also recognised the months of hard work behind the scenes, paying tribute to Ms Brown, Ms Harvey and the entire production team for creating such an inspiring experience for students and audiences alike.
Described by audience members as both "magical" and "hilarious", the production was a wonderful celebration of creativity, collaboration and student talent. From the performers on stage to the technicians behind the scenes and the musicians filling the theatre with infectious energy, every student played their part in making this a truly memorable evening.
A special mention goes to Miah in Year 10, whose stunning photographs available to view on Flickr, captured every magical moment of the production. Her beautiful images tell the story of two unforgettable evenings and perfectly showcase the creativity, joy and talent that made this production such a success.
