Drama Teacher, Ms Natalie Ibbett provides the Director's take on Harrodian Prep's Christmas drama, The Snow Queen while two pupils from the 13s review the production below
When Harrodian Drama Teacher Natalie Ibbett was investigating the right story for a Christmas production for Harrodian Prep she was irresistibly drawn to a favourite winter-themed Fairy Tale of her youth. ‘I always loved The Snow Queen growing up,’ she says. ‘I wanted to do a seasonal production and felt this was a perfect match for this time of year.’
Drama
See more pictures in our Snow Queen gallery via this link
Hans-Christian Andersen’s classic is a bit of a thriller. Gerda’s brother Kai has been stolen away by the beautiful but evil Snow Queen and the play tells the story of her mission to rescue him. ‘The Snow Queen is a cruel figure who is trapped in a cold-hearted world, so the audience can expect dark moments,’ says Ms Ibbett. ‘But in the end the most important message is that Gerda has a good and open heart, and that is the power she needs to get her brother back.’
I added some extra parts to the play as I wanted to give as many pupils as possible the opportunity to be part of a school production
Natalie Ibbett, Harrodian Drama Teacher
Despite its dark bits, The Snow Queen offers plenty of fun and variety in the form of ensemble and cameo performances from a cast of 31 drawn from the 8s (Year 4) to the 13s (Year 9). On her quest, Gerda encounters a band of gypsies, talking flowers, a bossy crow and even Aurora Borealis, herself.
As well as enriching the production, the large size of the cast was a conscious attempt from Ms Ibbett to satisfy an insatiable appetite for acting which saw over 120 pupils audition for parts in The Snow Queen last year. ‘I added some extra parts to the play as I wanted to give as many pupils as possible the opportunity to be part of a school production,’ says Ms Ibbett. 'Pupils gain so much from taking part. They enhance their performance skills and feel part of a team. And one of the best things is seeing new friendships form along the way.'
Pupils gain so much from taking part. They enhance their performance skills and feel part of a team. And one of the best things is seeing new friendships form along the way
More Harrodians will have the chance to get some acting experience under their belts in the coming months. Next up in the Co-Curricular calendar is a 10s (Year 6) performance showcase early next term before Macbeth comes to the theatre in February. After that, the House Drama Competition will be followed by more year group showcases and performances in the Summer Term. 
'Enchanting and Perfect'
13s pupils Isabella and Maria are unstinting in their praise of The Snow Queen
The Snow Queen was an enchanting performance by the Prep School. In a captivating retelling of the original Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, the audience was taken on a journey full of hardship, friendship and magic.
The set had a storybook ambience, decorated with mystical trees and snow. The timely costumes immersed the characters within the setting, altogether transporting the characters into another world. The lighting effects corresponded with the tone of the story, warming and cooling according to the emotions of the characters. The sound effects were a great addition to the narration and storytelling, really capturing the sentiment of the story.
In a captivating retelling of the original Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, the audience was taken on a journey full of hardship, friendship and magic.
Isabella and Maria, 13s Harrodian pupils
Each character was individually crafted to have a clear personality and way about life. The main character, The Snow Queen (played by Freya Peltonen), kept the audience engrossed and on the edge of their seats; she portrayed an angry, resentful individual with perfect emotion. Other characters, such as Cawtrina, Conjurer, Gladys and Randolph had whimsical personalities; their witty answers and sarcastic ways kept the comedic value running throughout the play. Additionally, the flower garden was a hilarious addition, a lighthearted group of talking flowers, each with their own unique character. The weeping willow, dandelion, daffodil and tiger lily created a fun, humorous scene. Finally, Gerda and Kai, the main siblings, provided the model of a strong friendship and brought the play to heartwarming close.
The songs featured throughout the play mainly consisted of soft lullabies, adding to the storytelling and emotive depth of the plot. The snowflake ensemble gave a spirited performance, gracefully dancing across the stage using creative and elegant choreography.
This play was absolutely perfect, down to the smallest details. Having thoroughly enjoyed the performance, we can say that the making of this was a long and difficult process, with many people working extremely hard. Congratulations to the entire drama department, the sound, music, lighting, costuming, choreography, set design, makeup and directing.
Many thanks to Miss Ibbett for directing this play and for an amazing effort by everyone involved.
