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Outstanding 'Noyes Fludde'

Last weeks production by UCC of Benjamin Brittens 'Noyes Fludde' was an outstanding success. By permission of the Rector, Rev John Smith, the three nightly performances were staged in the appropriate setting of the parish church where packed audiences enjoyed both a musical treat and an engrossing spectacle. This was essentially an exercise in teamwork, led by the excellent partnership of Mr Barry Collett, head of music, and Nigel Kermode, head of drama.

Back Row - Mrs Beaves, Miss Spencer, Mr Taylor, Rosie Gray, Mrs Gelling
Centre - Jane Roberts, Hilary Crowden, Paul Durran, Mark Killips, Claire Tuck, Sally Macklin
Front - Steph Lomas, Tina James, Mark Courtnell

The production involved a cast of 94 and an orchestra of 64. Many others behind the scenes brought the total involved to more than 200. In their roles as Noye and Mrs Noye, John Taylor and Jane McDougall sang and acted with a genuine professional approach and were an inspiration to their youthful colleagues who took the other lead parts.

All of these played with vitality and enthusiasm, but Rosie Gray (Mrs Sem), John Sharman (Jafett) and Nigel Killips (Sem) merit special mention. Mrs Noyes Gossips - Mark Courtnell, Hilary Crowden, Toni Davis, Bridget McKie, Grace Bailey and Susan Gavins - were outstanding in the attack they gave to their parts and their words came across with excellent clarity.

The chorus of scholars from the college and from the two Uppingham primary schools maintained the general standard by the way in which they rose to the volume of sound from the orchestra.

This combined a number of adult friends of the College, members of the Rutland Schools Orchestra and college scholars and staff. After only one full rehearsal the blend was magnificant. The amount of preliminary work over the past four months in rehearsing the various instrumentalists was obvious and Mr Collett deserves all the praise for assembling the orchestra and his sympathetic yet firm conducting.

The set, simple but effective was designed by Mr Kermode and built in the College workshops by scholars under the direction of Mr Wilkins. Dramatic lighting effects were by Mr Owen, colourful costumes by Mrs Holmes and Miss Sheaf and the great variety of masks by Mrs Jenkins and two girls, Tina James and Sally Macklin.

The dances of Sue Hodson as the raven and Anne Millington as the dove, were a credit to many patient hours with Mrs Beaves. Credit for make up goes to Mrs Bradbury.

On the final night the Principal, Mr Denis Whight, praised all involved and in particular Mr Collett and Mr Kermode.