Students Take to The Stage in Their Production of Vanity Fair

Ellesmere students took to the stage in their latest production of a literary classic Vanity Fair, with a modern twist. Students performed an adaptation by Declan Donnellan who admirably condenses the story. A 25 strong cast made up of Year 11 and Sixth Form students took part in this timeless play which included a series of short videos filmed at locations throughout the County, to represent a slice of quintessential English Georgian Life. The short videos supported the performance and added an extra dimension to this student driven play.

The plot traces the lives of Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley, from the time when they were at school, to their middle age. Becky is a wily, intelligent, poverty stricken orphan who calculates and manipulates to elevate herself in Society, ensnaring men into marriage and ignoring them when they get into difficulties. Pippa Bell, Director of Drama, said "It's a good way of seeing a literary classic which was performed in a contemporary manner and accessible to all. Pupils have enjoyed this play and this really came across in their performance".

Alice Tow, 17, who played the role of Becky Sharp, said " I really enjoyed playing Becky in her early years and how she is becoming friends with Amelia and coming to terms with her upper class life. It was a really interesting role and it's been great to see all the differences in performances and all the colourful characters that are represented".

14th March 2013  Back to News