Year 13 A Level Drama students brought their practical work to a close with a compelling 30-minute version of April De Angelis’ ‘Playhouse Creatures,’ alongside monologues from playwrights as diverse as Anton Chekhov, David Mamet and Rosie Day. This final performance was a celebration of their talent, dedication and deep understanding of theatre as both an art form and a means of storytelling.
‘Playhouse Creatures’ follows the first women on the stage after the Restoration and their fight for acceptance, making it a fitting choice for a school that equips young women with the confidence to shape their own destinies. Perhaps De Angelis was thinking of Oxford High School when she wrote the play’s final lines:
Doll: What will we say?
Nell: Anything. Now we can say anything.
Set in 1669, the play explores the struggles and triumphs of early English actresses performing at a time when theatre was an emerging yet controversial art form. Women’s involvement on the stage was still considered scandalous, and those who dared to perform faced class discrimination, sexual exploitation and the ongoing battle for legitimacy in a male-dominated industry.
The play centres around five actresses, each with her own distinct personality and aspirations. These women, who perform at the newly established Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, navigate the societal challenges of their time while striving for success. The experienced and cynical Doll longs for the respectability that comes with wealth. Mrs. Farley, an influential theatre patron, exerts control over the other actresses, and the naive but determined Nell is desperate to prove herself as a serious actress. Through their interactions, De Angelis captures the tensions between ambition, power, and vulnerability, portraying the precarious position of women in 17th-century society.
As the play unfolds, it delves into the tensions between personal desires and societal expectations, revealing the hardships these women faced while also celebrating their resilience. De Angelis deftly examines both the joys and difficulties of performance, showing how the stage became a space where women could assert control over their lives and their narratives. More than just a historical drama, ‘Playhouse Creatures’ resonates with contemporary discussions about gender, power, and representation in the arts and beyond.
The students’ performance brought this powerful story to life with impressive depth and nuance. Their ability to convey the emotional weight and historical significance of the play was a testament to their skill and passion for theatre. The cast featured:
Doll – Chloe
Nell – Hannah
Mrs. Farley – Rosie
Alongside ‘Playhouse Creatures,’ the students performed monologues from renowned playwrights, demonstrating their versatility and command of different theatrical styles. From the psychological realism of Chekhov to the razor-sharp dialogue of Mamet and the contemporary voice of Rosie Day, each performance highlighted the students’ ability to engage with challenging material and bring it to life on stage.
This final showcase was a poignant and fitting conclusion to their A Level Drama journey. It was not just a demonstration of their technical ability but a powerful reflection of their growth as performers and storytellers. As they step beyond the school stage, they carry with them the confidence, creativity, and courage to tell their own stories—just like the pioneering women of ‘Playhouse Creatures.’
