The Canterbury Tales

In the Autumn Term, we were treated to the Year 7 production of The Canterbury Tales. Before sitting down in the Theatre, I have to confess there was a fleeting moment when I was not sure how a group of eleven and twelve year olds would be able to cope with the enactment of four of Chaucer’s tales but then the lights came on and I was completely captivated from the outset.

A band of bawdy Alchemists, skilfully led by Alex Ball, Thomas Dyson-Laurie, Nathan Collins and Cosmo Mealing, introduced us to the most famous of Chaucer’s work. Firstly there was The Pardoner’s Tale, a dark story with a moral twist highlighting the perils of being too greedy. The story was presented with great humour with fantastic performances from all, but worthy of special mention were Nathan Horsman, Jarod Hardcastle and Harvey Cole as the drunken ne’er-do-wells and Fred Dimbleby as the charismatic Pardoner.

The Wife of Bath is a 14th century example of girl power! Annabel Rudden ably narrated as The Wife of Bath with Guinevere, Amanda and the Old Woman (played by Georgia Horsman, Megan Bradley/Georgina Callaghan, and Hannah Roberts respectively) teaching Sir Codsbrain a lesson or two about how to treat to women. The lines were delivered with great comedic timing and there were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as Sam Goldreich/Daniel Narracott delivered some of Sir Codsbrain’s cringe-worthy chat-up lines!

After the interval came The Nun’s Priest’s Tale, a fable in which Sir Russell Fox, played by Zoe Burger, was outwitted by the smart cockerel, Chaunticleer, played by Lauren Anderson. Aiden Kerr/Sam Hannah gave a faultless performance as the narrator and there was some energetic dancing by the chickens! The Knight’s Tale came last but certainly not least. The most serious out of the four tales, and performed completely in rhyme, there were outstanding performances by Joseph Roberts and Raphael Barber-Ruckstuhl as Arcite and Palamon, fighting for the hand of the fair maiden, Emily, played by Holly Goble. The decision for the most suitable suitor was left to Theseus played with authority and aplomb by Ciaran Bowling, whilst being watched by the Gods Venus, Mars and Diana (Jemima Hopper, Jake Vine and Irene Aparacio).

As the play ended The Alchemists managed to revive Chaucer himself, played by Alfred Jenden; just in time for the cast ensemble and the epilogue to be delivered! All in all, the play was entertaining and funny; Mrs Brundle, Head of English, should be congratulated for her fantastic direction. Indeed, I do not think I could sum it up any better than the lady I sat next to who turned to me and said, “I thoroughly enjoyed myself and haven’t laughed so much in years!” Bravo, Year 7!