Meet Some Cast Members
The all-important photoshoot for the Senior School production of Strictly Ballroom took place last Saturday with stunning results and we look forward to seeing official publicity materials. Below is just a sneak peek to entice you into booking your ticket for this much-anticipated show.
This week, we spoke to Remus, Mietta and Lily about their acting experience, their character in Strictly Ballroom, what they love about this particular production and advice they would give students in the future who are contemplating auditioning for a Girton Senior School Production.
Student: Remus Brasier (11 Millward)
Character: Les Kendall (owner and trainer at Kendall’s Dance Studios)
I had my first taste of theatre in the 2015 St Killians production of Grab That Gold, where I played ‘Miner 4’, which was followed by a bigger role in Shakespeare Rocks! in 2017. Since starting at Girton in Year 7, I have appeared as Grandpa Potts in the Year 8 production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and now, I will be playing Les Kendall, the owner and trainer at Kendall's Dance Studios who is described by Baz Luhrmann as 'dreadfully camp'.
A traditionalist, Les allies himself with the powerful dance studio President, Barry Fife, and talented Shirley Stirling, but is torn between his values in dance and those he holds in life; exemplified most of all by his deep-seated care for the protagonist, Scott Stirling. Throughout Strictly Ballroom, Les faces the challenges of standing up to power and beginning to appreciate the adventurous side of life.
I have found the singing and dancing aspects of the role the most challenging, particularly as these are things I've generally avoided in the past. As for the enjoyable parts, Les is such a great character to play especially because he often gets to deliver the punchline, which is a lot of fun.
I've taken quite a chance on the Senior School Production, as I had not originally planned on participating this year. It's a new subculture within the school that I've never accessed before, and now that I'm well and truly in it, I will relish it as much as I can.
I think I can safely say that, had I never taken up one of the six chances I get to be a part of a Girton Senior School Production, I would regret it once my time at Girton was up.
Student: Mietta Adams (10 Jones)
Character: Pam Short (ballroom champion)
As a new student to Girton Grammar and having started at the school during COVID, Strictly Ballroom will be my first Girton production. I’ve been performing my whole life following in the steps of my mother who was a dancer for the Royal Ballet. I have acted small parts in many school Shakespeare plays and danced as leads in Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty and Narnia ballets.
I am playing Pam Short, Ballroom champion known as ‘the Queen’ and Ken Railings is my partner known as ‘the King’. Pam is a very flamboyant and competitive dancer who will stop at nothing to be in the spotlight and win the trophy.
I love playing Pam Short with her extravagant costumes and steps on the dance floor. With each production rehearsal, I am finding the elegance and strength in Pam’s moves through Kaddi Kearin’s amazing choreography.
Getting to know the cast and backstage crew has been one of the best experiences and highlights of the Senior School production, as well as the fun and fast paced Ballroom and Spanish dancing with the chorus members.
To future students contemplating auditioning for a Girton Senior School Production, I highly recommend giving it a go, not only for the new skills and social interactions but for the friendships and memories created through the experience.
Student: Lily Harvey (11 Aherne)
Character: Vanessa Cronin
When I started at Girton in Year 3, watching all the Senior School Productions, I knew I wanted to be a part of the whole scene in the future. Something I love about being part of these shows is the feeling I get when I dance. It makes me let go and enjoy the excitement and fun of being on stage. When I did the Girton production of Matilda in 2019, it was very much a highlight of my year. The friendships I made over that year are friends I still have to this day. Now with Strictly Ballroom on the way I am excited all over again.
The role I’m playing in the show is Vanessa Cronin. Vanessa is such a fun role to play, with the sassiness that she brings to Liz’s posse of girls. I have been dancing all my life, so to be a part of the fast-paced choreography of Strictly is a great opportunity to put myself out there and use my dance experience.
For students who are interested in future Senior School productions, I would say, go for it! I would say that no matter what skill set you have, being part of a Girton production is an incredible opportunity to take a chance and just give it a go. And the best part is, you then become a part of a (drama) family for years to come.
Please enjoy a selection of photo's from behind the scenes at the recent photoshoot.
