On Wednesday 22nd November 2023, Performing Arts students from across the Laurus Trust performed together in Laurus Limelights’ second production; ‘A Play in Two Days’.
First established at Cheadle Hulme High School in 2016, Laurus Limelights is a company for Key Stage 4 and 5 students with exceptional dramatic talent, potential and passion for theatrical performance.
Following the success of the inaugural showcase ‘Beginnings’ earlier this year, Limelights has expanded to welcome twenty new members from Laurus Trust Secondary Schools.
A Play in Two Days is an exploration of excerpts from ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’, based on the novel by Mark Hadden, adapted by Simon Stephens.
The performance was aptly named, with rehearsals beginning just the day before the show would be presented to a live audience.
This was a conscious decision taken by Mrs Edmonds, the Artistic Director and Trust Director of Drama, who explained; “the adaptability, creativity and resilience the actors will rely on are exactly the qualities they would require in the Performing Arts industry.”
She continued:
“Often, in professional theatre, a company only has a short rehearsal period, therefore this experience gives our young performers an insight into that world.”
Originally a mystery novel by Mark Hadden, ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ was adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens in 2012, winning seven Olivier awards, including Best New Play.
It tells the story of Christopher Boone, a young mathematical genius with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
As he tries to solve the mystery surrounding the death of his neighbour’s dog, he uncovers more secrets than he bargained for…
The Laurus Limelights company chose to use ensemble physical theatre to present their interpretation of the play.
They employed the technique of multi-casting, a dramatic device where characters are identifiable by connected costumes.
Despite the time constraints they faced, the students and teacher-directors involved pulled off an incredible show.
Audiences were treated to an unforgettable evening of talented performances from the young actors.
From our young talent and dedicated teacher-directors, to the staff teams working behind the scenes; we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the evening a success.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, we hope you enjoyed the show and look forward to seeing you at the next one!
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