Preview: what’s on in student drama?

A new year, and a whole new start for our University drama societies. After last year’s fantastic plethora of performances, our societies are treating us to an even more jam-packed season this time around, with workshops and performances galore. From the Duchess of Malfi to an adaptation based on The Ugly Duckling, Warwick University Drama Society (WUDS), Codpiece Theatre, the Shakespeare Society (ShakeSoc), Freshblood New Writing, Warwick Reperatory Theatre and even Tech Crew have something for everyone to go and enjoy this term.

Warwick University Drama Society (WUDS)

With both of the Warwick Arts Centre student shows under their belt this term, WUDS are sure to blow audience’s socks off with productions of The Glass Menagerie in week five and Seven Lears in week nine.

The Glass Menagerie is at one glance a beautiful and frustrating tale about Tom, the disenchanted narrator of the story who dreams of escaping the claustrophobia of his familial home in order to find adventure. Also trapped in their own dream worlds, Amanda, Tom’s mother, relives her days as a southern bell and Laura, Tom’s sister, finds escape in her glass menagerie of animals and fantasies of a school-hood sweetheart. Living under the shelter of their imaginings, they exist unknowing of the turmoil about to strike them at the climax of the play. Directed by second year Theatre student Courtney Ceanne Buchner, it will have you gripped till the very end.

Similarly, Seven Lears by Howard Baker reinvents and explores the character of King Lear by following him through the seven stages of man from a ‘mewling and puking’ baby to ‘second childishness and mere oblivion’. Any Bard fanatics and those looking for a new take on the original will enjoy this immensely.

Outside of the Arts Centre, the WUDS team are also producing Some Girls, a humorous take on modern relationships by Neil Labute, in week six. In addition they are also performing Over There, a tale about two twins on either side of the Berlin Wall by Mark Ravenhill, in the Loft Theatre, Leamington.

Codpiece Theatre

Always the wild card of the pack, Codpiece do not disappoint this term with two productions as a result of their very own (and new) CodFund. The first is Ugly, an adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson tale The Ugly Duckling, which will be performed in week seven. However, not ones to be simple, the team also want the piece to examine modern day perceptions on beauty.

Their second production, to be performed in week ten, is Down Street, of nines TV fame. By putting their own fishy twist on the original story (which starred Peter Capaldi in the TV version), Codpiece will explore the dark world of London Below which is situated beneath the London underground. When Richard discovers this underworld, adventures involving, amongst others, secret agents and evil angels ensue as he and the audience become more and more immersed in Down Street.

More than just productions, Codpiece are also offering many workshops this term, including one entitled ‘how to run a workshop’, which will take place in week two. President Sam Wightman wants to encourage as many new crazy and creative members to get involved: “there are so many ways to get involved with us, and we love listening and playing with moments of inspiration people may have…No idea is too big or too small!”

The Shakespeare Society (ShakeSoc)

Deviating from their dedication to the Bard, ShakeSoc’s big production this term is John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi, to be performed in week nine. When the Duchess remarries in spite of her two brothers, Ferdinand and the Cardinal, at the behest of her brothers’ spy Bosola, they hatch several plans in order to prove her marriage and punish her for her insolence. Darkness ensues and the threat of death is never far away, which promises a seat-gripping experience.

Despite only putting on one show so dar this term, President Michael Chidgey promises that there will be “yet more trips to the RSC, workshops and a few more unconventional events to offer members this term!”

Freshblood New Writing

Term two brings with it the highly anticipated groundwork for FreshFest, Freshblood New Writing’s yearly event has celebrated student writing, directing and acting for five years now. This year’s festival, which is running from February 22 to March 1, will co-ordinate student-written plays with student directors, producers and actors in order to produce eight full days of theatrical fun. Showcasing eleven new student plays this year, FreshFest is set to be an unmissable experience, as well as the most effective and easiest way to get involved with student performance.

As well as being busy with one of the most renowned dates in the student drama calendar, the team are also producing a debut play from Freddie Paul called Colouring the Sky. This play follows two childhood friends as they begin to deal with the difficulties of love, loss, and growing up. This will be performed over the weekend of week five; the location is still to be confirmed.

Warwick Reperatory Theatre

Although not yet confirmed, Warwick Rep are reportedly putting together a collection of short one act plays for the end of week nine. With a group of fantastic actors and a great track record, the Rep will not disappoint, so watch this space for more information!

Tech Crew

The Tech Crew will be holding more and more workshops this term for students who are interested in behind-the-stage information. It is also one of the best times to become involved with the crew as they have lots of new kit on the way, and lots of shows to get involved with. Anyone interested in learning about stage lighting and sound, as well as any stage management positions, should get involved!