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Kings Drama Production of "The Accrington Pals"
25th February 2008
King’s Drama’s production of “The Accrington Pals” by Peter Whelan demonstrated clearly
that the King’s School Ely has many talented actors and actresses who are capable of
presenting a cohesive creditable performance of a standard far above usual school
productions.
In a believable tale of a group of Accrington pals who signed up to fight in the First World
War, the audience were caught up in the emotional turmoil suffered by them and by their
loved ones in a series of smoothly orchestrated scenes.
The cast, all with credible Lancashire accents, highlighted the typical nuances of their
characters: charming Tom (played by Richard Glasspool) contrasted well with cool-hearted
May (Rosie Brear). Arthus Boggis (Tom Fitzer) and Ralph (Alex Whatley) infused the
camaraderie between mates in arms and C.S.M. Rivers (Jack Riordan) proved a mature and
experienced leader of his young soldiers. One of the most effective characters was Sarah
Harding (Ruth Sliwinski) who helped to draw the audience into the emotional traumas
suffered by the women left alone at home. Eva Mason (Lizzie East), Bertha Treecott (Talia
Gur) and Annie Boggis (Harriet Glaister) also gave fine performances. Annie’s physical
assaults on her mischievous son, Reggie Boggis (Charlie Ewing) was all the more effective
by the contrast between Annie’s loud aggressive reactions to her lot and Reggie’s slippery
manoevres for survival. These two above all emphasized the underlying strength of the
characters’ affections.
With first rate support including amazing scenery and props, precisely timed and mind-
blowing sound effects, the Director/Designer Nick Huntington, Producer Adella Charlton and
their magnificent team are to be congratulated for one of the most thoughtful school
productions I have seen.
For more information contact AdellaC@kings-ely.cambs.sch.uk tel: (01353) 653939
Rosemary Westwell
25th February 2008
King’s Drama’s production of “The Accrington Pals” by Peter Whelan demonstrated clearly
that the King’s School Ely has many talented actors and actresses who are capable of
presenting a cohesive creditable performance of a standard far above usual school
productions.
In a believable tale of a group of Accrington pals who signed up to fight in the First World
War, the audience were caught up in the emotional turmoil suffered by them and by their
loved ones in a series of smoothly orchestrated scenes.
The cast, all with credible Lancashire accents, highlighted the typical nuances of their
characters: charming Tom (played by Richard Glasspool) contrasted well with cool-hearted
May (Rosie Brear). Arthus Boggis (Tom Fitzer) and Ralph (Alex Whatley) infused the
camaraderie between mates in arms and C.S.M. Rivers (Jack Riordan) proved a mature and
experienced leader of his young soldiers. One of the most effective characters was Sarah
Harding (Ruth Sliwinski) who helped to draw the audience into the emotional traumas
suffered by the women left alone at home. Eva Mason (Lizzie East), Bertha Treecott (Talia
Gur) and Annie Boggis (Harriet Glaister) also gave fine performances. Annie’s physical
assaults on her mischievous son, Reggie Boggis (Charlie Ewing) was all the more effective
by the contrast between Annie’s loud aggressive reactions to her lot and Reggie’s slippery
manoevres for survival. These two above all emphasized the underlying strength of the
characters’ affections.
With first rate support including amazing scenery and props, precisely timed and mind-
blowing sound effects, the Director/Designer Nick Huntington, Producer Adella Charlton and
their magnificent team are to be congratulated for one of the most thoughtful school
productions I have seen.
For more information contact AdellaC@kings-ely.cambs.sch.uk tel: (01353) 653939
Rosemary Westwell