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I’ve wanted to direct a House Drama since joining Mill Hill, when I first participated in Year 9. Writing the script was the first hurdle to overcome, but I had many ideas. I’ve always been interested in the fourth wall, so I knew I wanted my play to be centred around interacting with that. After Everything Is Perfect! was finalised my co-director Adam H (Atkinson) and I started the auditioning process, and we were overwhelmed by how many pupils wanted to take part. Once the cast was announced we launched headfirst into rehearsals and spent many afterschool evenings and weekends working tirelessly to perfect the play.
It was so amazing to see everyone in Atkinson work together, with pupils from every year contributing. The camaraderie between all of the cast members was terrific to see, and watching bonds form between people who might not necessarily cross paths in everyday school life was so rewarding. I’m so proud of everyone for tirelessly working to rehearse lines and remember cues, despite all of their other commitments. It was a true display of the Atkinson house spirit in action.
None of this could have been have done without Mr Gatherer, who had coordinated to pull off the House Drama Festival. He tirelessly supported, encouraged, and urged every House into action, willingly giving up endless evenings and weekends to ensure that the final shows were as polished as they could be. I know that everyone involved across the board is incredibly grateful for his unwavering commitment and dedication to pulling off an amazing House Drama Festival.
Performing the play in front of everyone for the first time was incredibly nerve-racking, and I wasn’t even on stage! Watching all of the hard work pay off was so incredible, and everyone delivered a stellar performance. When I found out we had made it to the final I was overwhelmed with joy and pride. Our final performance was better than I could have imagined, and my happiness peaked when the judges announced Atkinson had won House Drama for the first time ever. Despite Cedar’s spectacularly choreographed and performed ‘Mamma Mia’ and Priestley’s hilarious and feel good homage to the Euro 2020 Final ‘Three Lions’, Atkinson came out on top, and to see everyone’s elation upon hearing Atkinson’s name be called out was a moment I’ll never forget.
Joshua M (Atkinson)
Mill Hill Upper Sixth Pupil
