Dr Faustus, Harrodian’s major theatrical production of the year, opens at the school theatre in two weeks' time. Its Director, Head of Drama Mr Michael Glen, provides us with a preview.
When it comes to school productions, Harrodian’s drama team has always been up for a challenge. Alongside the spectacular musicals of recent years such as Legally Blonde and last year’s smash hit, Grease, Mr Michael Glen and his team have also been brave and bold enough to tackle drama that addresses issues and ideas that are demanding and sometimes difficult to stage, among them Oedipus Rex and a theatrical adaptation of Lord of the Flies.
Mr Michael Glen and his team have been brave and bold enough to tackle drama that addresses issues and ideas that are demanding and sometimes difficult to stage
As Mr Glen admits, this year’s big production, Christopher Marlowe’s Dr Faustus, belongs in the latter category. ‘It’s interesting going from last year’s feel-good musical to a classic 16th century drama steeped in philosophical debate which focuses on a man who sells his soul to the devil’ he says.
‘It’s interesting going from last year’s modern feel-good musical to a classic 16th century drama steeped in philosophical debate which focuses on man who sells his soul to the devil’
Mr Michael Glen, Harrodian Head of Drama
So how have Mr Glen and his regular production collaborator Mr Adam Lineker set about adapting the play for a modern audience? ‘We spent a lot of time re-reading it and found that Mephistopheles (the Devil) and Faustus, the play’s two central characters are very funny,’ says Mr Glen. ‘We decided the best way forward was to create a contemporary setting in which Faustus becomes a brilliant university lecturer bogged down by bureaucracy and to lean into all the comedy.’
It sounds a promising approach. The presence of Alfie and Jamie, two of Harrodian’s wittiest drama performers of recent years in the two leading roles is sure to give Dr Faustus a head start and these two stalwarts will be surrounded by an energetic and vividly costumed supporting cast of 35, each providing their own vivid cameo in roles as diverse as Helen of Troy and the Seven Deadly sins.
Mr Glen promises extra ‘fun and magic’ in the performance in the form of stage effects and pyrotechnics...It will be a production with a strong sense of spectacle and surprise.
Mr Glen also promises extra ‘fun and magic’ in the performance in the form of stage effects and pyrotechnics. ‘It will be a production with a strong sense of spectacle and surprise,’ he says.
We can’t wait to see what they come up with.
Dr Faustus: Harrodian Theatre 11-13 February at 6pm. Tickets available from reception.