Daisy Pulls it off

On entering the auditorium, we knew immediately that Director Justine Sewell and her ‘Creatives’ meant business. The stage wide set ideally depicted Grangewood School, our destination for this evening. It was solid, polished, and staid, capturing the mood and ‘jolly, hockey sticks’ tradition of the 1920s. The dignitaries lining the wall and we, the audience, were being prepared for a jolly good evening’s entertainment.

Director - Justine Sewell was clearly invested in her cast and their trust in her made everything they did – confident, clear, and obvious fun.

One of the first indications that there was, an exceptional team at work was during the highly effective train journey to school. Not one actor was out of time. Much to the amusement of the audience it was a convincing chorus of joggling along in ‘tune’ with the imaginary train, to culminate in an almighty heave when the train stopped. Every ‘gels’ was confident from their very first word. Their diction immaculate and their deportment divine. The auditorium full of family, friends, neighbours, relaxed knowing that we were all in very sure hands for the evening ahead. From the youngest, (who I believe was 10 years old), to the eldest, everyone showed commitment to our evening’s entertainment. What great teamwork from beginning to end! Mia Buckingham played a chipper Daisy Meredith, the first scholarship girl to gain a place at Grangewood. She was word perfect, accent polished and confident, but not overbearing. Mia managed her enormous part word perfectly, with aplomb and charm. And – a very pleasing, genuine smile. Sybil Burlington played by Coco Nolan and Monica Smithers by Chloe Matthews, were both fine-tuned to play the snobby, unpleasant plotters of the piece. Clare Beaumont was convincing as Leila Fincher - ‘top hole besty’ for Daisy. Well done for being that safe pair of hands for our heroine. Roxy Cornish-Sewell; Harriet Homer; Martha Lammas; Evelyn Cornell; Tilly Norster; Poppy HendersonandCat Smith were all excellent school chums. Your hard work paid off.  Again word perfect, mastered entrances, action and attentiveness to detail earns an A+ for you all!Rowena Hackford your headmistress, Miss Gibson, was a joy, played as a slightly off-kilter ‘Alistair Sims- esc’ character.Melanie Sacre’s Miss Granville; Dan Coles’ Mr Scoblowski; Ollie Graveson’s Mr Thompson and Lucie Nash’s French teacher and Mother, all deserve a mention. 

A spiffing evening was enjoyed by everyone! Congratulations

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