“…the essence of amateur theatre is enjoyment and lasting memories that one carries for life…”-Sir Laurence Olivier
Reflecting on the words of one of the greatest dramatists of our time, I would say that is what  we witnessed in the recent production ‘Shake Ripple and Roll’ presented by the intermediate students of Bishop’s College (on October 24 and 25 at the BC auditorium), their enthusiasm and smiling faces said it.

I seldom put pen to paper to review theatre as I am still in the profession, but this is an exception. One of the first things that must be complimented in this musical were the entrances and exits, they just breezed in and out with so much perfection that it kept the production tight, smooth and pleasant to watch. The hard work that would have gone in paid off; believe me I say this with experience-with this age group it is a monumental task. The chorus was disciplined and they all concentrated on what was taking place on stage. This was also an achievement considering the numbers on stage. They all sang with gusto.

The casual manner of the pretty waitresses and the customers who came to Uncle Angelo’s was correctly portrayed as one would expect at a New York ice cream parlour. The actions and the quick repartee by the cast even those with one line was delivered with no hesitation. All this says a lot for the direction and perhaps the long hours of rehearsal. The singing was good, the words clear and got our toes tapping listening to the beat of rock n’ roll.

Joey Nobody (Kavya de Silva) played her part with absolute ease, her manipulations with the mop and instant reaction to events bringing fits of laughter. The confidence she showed on stage was promising. Deanna La Domme (Shania Klyn) was very impressive; she spoke her lines with confidence and poise. 

The choreography was just nice, and not complicated and the dancers gracefully did justice to the movements, I must say I loved the chic ‘Tango Girls’ in red- their poses were awesome. The costumes were indeed a true compliment to the show. The long skirts were period, the chorus T-shirts with the star was very ‘Americano’.

One little thing- not as a criticism but to be aware of in the future; when directing productions with large casts in schools (as I have been in the same situation), some of the characters tend to scream. That is because we rehearse for two to three months asking the cast to project, project and project and then we give them microphones to practise in the last few days before the show and wow! Don’t they project? Voice control when using microphones is a totally different subject. 

Shake Ripple and Roll was a wonderful evening of entertainment and I say this again- with that age group -it was all the more fantastic. Compliments to the Director Clare- what an achievement. Beatrice I know too well of your commitment, that was visible in the musical direction. Congratulations to the musicians, your talents were much appreciated. As for the coordination for a show of this size, skill and efficiency is a must: well done Ashini.

I have had the privilege of working with Clare and Beatrice for a very long time. It is at a moment like this after a successful production that we bow our heads and say thank you to our inspiration and mentor dear Aunty Irene (Mrs. Irene Wanigaratne), the first lady of drama at BC. Drama is the best way to build self-confidence and a good personality to face the world before us.

Bishop’s College you have done yet another production to be proud of. The Intermediates have equalled their peers. Well done girls! Three hearty cheers!