House Plays
“From small beginnings on December 2nd, 1949 great things have grown – a SCEGGS tradition, no less, in the form of House Plays.
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of their first performance and Lux reported that the first occasion was ‘Jull of critical enjoyment and much laughter… ending weeks of frenzied rehearsals.” So it seems that the basic fun of House Plays has not changed at all.
They have, however, gone through some evolution over the years. In the early days the plays were not in competition. It was only in 1950 that this innovation was instituted. Beck won that year with its performance of St. Joan. In 1963 the school saw the first House play written by an Old Girl when Langley performed The Death Dealer written by Katharine England and it was in 1971 that Barton House made history by snatching first place with a play written totally by current students. Entitled Nursery Nightmares, it was written by Julie McCrossin and Amanda Goodman.
Performers have been many and varied, with some going on to fame and fortune in the world of theatre and entertainment including Pamela Stephenson, Claudia Karvan, Sarah Lambert, Tushka Bergin and Julie Mccrossin. Julie generously pointed out recently that “The SCEGGS stage is where I received all my initial training.”
Adjudicators are also a part of the tradition. Miss Chisholm fulfilled this role until 1961 when she handed over the responsibility to Speech and Drama teacher, Miss Edna Spilsbury, who adjudicated until her retirement. She also oversaw the first panel of adjudicators in 1979. Panel members were usually Old Girls with a theatrical connection and this was no different for 1999 when Gabrielle Shannon (PALMER, Class of 1949) , Rosalind Martins (HIND, Class of 1968) and Lisa WILLIAMS (Class of 1997) lent their expertise to the day. “We were thrilled that these Old Girls could be part of the day,” said Miss Inga Scarlett, Teacher-in-Charge of Drama. “They represent a wide range of theatrical interests, talents and involvement.”
The adjudicators’ job was not an easy one, as all the girls were determined that the 50th Anniversa1y House plays would be very special. This saw each House performing its utmost in front of a very enthusiastic audience. The girls emphasised their acting, directing and ensemble skills and in a close competition, Beck were placed first with Badham second and Langley and Docker tying for third position.
And the question that everyone has been wondering about which House has won the most House Play Days? The answer is Docker with a total of eleven first places. A fine achievement, but as any SCEGGS girl will tell you, it’s the fun and camaraderie of Play Day that is the most important thing!”