Following the success of The Stanhope Players’ first ever drama production of ‘Twelfth Night’ the director of the group, Julie Ashmore, decided to put on a showcase in April to allow newer members a chance to perform. Inspired by a talk with Shaun Campbell from The Arthur Wharton Foundation and Jessica Woodley from Stockton and Darlington Railway the students decided to write their own monologues. The girls decided to work in pairs featuring a mother and daughter’s relationship, each from a different period of time and each with a connection to the building of the railways. They wrote with sensitivity and passion and when Shaun Campbell heard Isabella’s and Katie’s thoughts on inter racial marriage in the 1950’s (both good and bad) he said ‘they’ve got that spot on, that’s just what it was like.’
The actors were supported by Mike Hepple’s students from his Popular Music course who performed songs before each of the renditions including covers of ‘Summertime’ and ‘Natural Woman’; the audience were spellbound.
During the night Shaun Campbell spoke to the audience about his work in recovering and promoting the legacy of Arthur Wharton and of what he contributed both to the town and sport in general.
Julie Ashmore said ‘The night was everything I hoped it would be, relaxed, sophisticated, entertaining and a chance to show Darlington just what talented students we nurture here at QE. We can’t wait to restart in September with a new intake of students and start planning our next play to be performed at Christmas.’
One parent in attendance found the experience very valuable ‘What a wonderful presentation. All the content is a reflection of where my people have come from, where we are, and hopefully some positive reflections from such wonderful drama and music – actually narrating real life issues – made me drop a tear here and there. Excellent.’
Well done to all those who took part!
