NEWS IN DETAIL...
Future actors perform in outstanding show
BUDDING actors of the future took to the stage at Cornwall College St Austell recently when they performed their Final Major Production – Godspell - to a packed audience at the College's Keay Theatre.
The stars of the cast, who are all studying Extended Diploma Acting and Subsidiary Diploma Musical Theatre at the College, presented this play as part of their final course assessment, and those that attended were treated to an evening full of excellent acting, humour and sadness, with outstanding props, costumes and set design.
Based on the Gospel of St Matthew, Godspell is a fun, modern day musical about how we act as individuals and the teachings of Jesus Christ by using a series of New Testament parables from The Gospel according to Matthew.
Set in a prison, the first half appeared dark and dismal as a stranger arrived within the group of inmates and through them the audience got to see a very touching story about how a community can be formed and how learning how to live life selflessly can be hard but also very rewarding.
The second half was brighter and the actors shed their dull prison boiler suits as they re-enacted the Biblical parables with a better outlook on life.
“A moving performance with excellent acting,” said a member of the audience. “Clearly enjoying the chance to show off their acting skills, the students showcased enthusiasm, stage presence and bags of energy.”
Daniel Murphy, 18, from Bugle, who is studying Extended Diploma Acting, explained: “What a great end to our course. This was our biggest and best performance and it was nice to be able to involve the audience in the piece. I have learnt a variety of skills on this course and the quality of teaching has been great and I’m hoping to return in September to study the HND Small Scale Theatre.”
The musical ended with the final scenes of Jesus at the last supper before his crucifixion.
Karen Burdon, Acting Lecturer at Cornwall College St Austell, explained: “Godspell was a wonderful piece for these students, who themselves have learnt to be a community over the past two years of working together. Like the characters they have had their ups and downs, but ultimately they know that when they work together they achieve more.
“I am exceptionally proud to be working with these students who, again like their characters, have travelled so far with us over the course of their time.”
Dave Linnell, Principal of Cornwall College, said: “We are very lucky to have our own high quality, multi-media theatre at Cornwall College St Austell and the students gain invaluable experience performing their work to the public.”
Cornwall College St Austell offers a wide range of Performing Arts courses, from acting and musical theatre, to dance and music. For further information about these courses, please contact the College on 0845 22 32 567, or visit www.cornwall.ac.uk. Places are still available for a September start.
