This term saw a new and exciting artistic direction for Cokethorpe Drama, marked by the blazing production values and mesmerising performance skills on display in The Box of Delights. Based on John Masefield’s 1935 novel, this adaptation’s story centres around two orphans who are given a box with supernatural powers by a mystical lady and ordered to save Christmas and to be on their guard, as ‘the wolves are running’. Along with their two best friends, the four children find themselves amid a centuries-old battle between two powerful sorcerers for the lives of their friends and even the fate of Christmas itself.
This enthralling production was rich in visuals and sound, as we were transported from magical forests to underground caverns. Many cast members played the vital role of puppeteers as bewitching new worlds unfolded before our eyes. With rabbits, butterflies, birds, ancient gods, as well as the tiny versions of the protagonists themselves, the physical puppeteering was expertly crafted and brought to life. There were also spellbinding sequences of shadow-puppetry, cleverly and deftly enacted by the cast to expound the backstory.
There were far too many superb performances to mention, but particular note should be given to the villains Pouncer and Charles, played with relish by Coco (Lower Sixth, Harcourt) and Henry (Upper Sixth, Harcourt), working under the malevolent power of Abner, a marvellously terrifying performance by Oscar (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh). These dark forces were pitted against the noble heroes of Kay and George, who were played with such emotional believability, charming sincerity and professionalism by Isy (Second Form, Gascoigne) and Jessica (Third Form, Swift), that we were swept up in their journey and genuine sense of peril. They were accompanied by the loyal and hilarious Maria and Peter, both of whom were created with exuberant energy by Emmy (Second Form, Swift) and the hysterical dry wit of Finlay (Fourth Form, Gascoigne).
Special mention must also be made of Kacy (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh) who was compelling as the mysterious, but kind, sorceress Cole, and excellent comedic support provided by Adam (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne) as the Bishop and Sofia (Fourth Form, Feilden) as the maternal Caroline Louisa. There were outstanding sequences of choreography, especially from the hauntingly powerful ‘Nyads’, enslaved by the evil Abner, but eventual architects of his demise. These were played with hypnotic brilliance by Drama Award Holders Ruby (Third Form, Gascoigne), Tibby (Third Form, Feilden), Emily (Second Form, Queen Anne), Lottie (Third Form, Gascoigne), Grace (Second Form, Vanbrugh) with Iona (Third Form, Swift).
This was a stunning ensemble production, with jaw-droppingly beautiful scenes; a moving story of hope and friendship played with commitment and professionalism by this huge and talented cast and crew.
