Those that read my programme notes (yes, both of you) will recall that last year I promised that our esteemed and seemingly ageless Director of Music, Mr. Harrison, would be given the dubious honour of choosing this year’s summer production. Little did I know that Lord Webber was also hanging on this crucial decision, so when Ian announced that he’d never tackled ‘Oliver!’ , the BBC were keen to follow his lead.

Naturally, our auditions for Nancy and Oliver were somewhat shorter and thankfully didn’t require a public vote (Jessie was robbed!).

I do hope that perhaps some younger members of the audience have been encouraged to attend by the television show- I must say the songs are incredibly catchy and very easy to hum around Tesco.

This has been one of the more challenging productions- although there are no ‘Aladdin’ style special effects, the show is intended to flow from one scene directly into another and therefore scene changing is complicated - I hope the addition of a front proscenium curtain will help this process. Furthermore, it is far longer than anything we have attempted before and although some cuts have been made, maintaining the pace has not been easy.

As usual I have been able to rely on many members of staff for vital assistance. With Stella Croker sadly being unable to perform her usual costume-related miracles, Lisa Jones and Wendy Ashfield have bravely filled the void; thanks also must go to the parents of the actors for providing many of the costumes. Jo Parker has also joined the team in earnest this year making the majority of props and coordinating the backstage assistants. John Teather does pretty much everything off stage- including the purchase of the air ventilation system that should make the temperature marginally sub-volcanic and the tiered seating - I hope that this enhances the view, particularly from the rear of the hall.

I would obviously like to thank all of the performers but particularly my year 8 stalwarts for whom this is their final show at Durlston before moving on to pastures new. Although combining the year 8 activities and residential trip last weekend has been traumatic, they are such a talented group that I simply couldn’t manage without them: Ellie Wilson (Canford Drama scholar!), Sally Hughes, Ellie Glew, Julia Antram, Oliver Fairweather, Jonny Smith, Christian Anstee, Oliver May, Amy Squires, Beth Ashfield, Megan Croker, Katy Nixon…

Next year, something easier… High School Musical anyone?

Richard Fulton

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