Acting students steal the show at The Royal and Derngate

It was lights, camera, action for Acting students last week, who signed off their three years of training at the University of Northampton with stage performances at a local theatre.

As part of their final year of study, third-year students from the University’s Acting course joined together to feature in two stage productions – Nell Gwynn and The Sweet Science of Bruising – which were on display to the public from 16-18 May at local theatre, The Royal and Derngate.

The opportunity equipped them with practical experience of working collaboratively on a real-world theatre stage, as well as adding to their wealth of CV experience.

The first production directed by Erica Martin, Jessica Swale’s ‘Nell Gwynn’ offered a contemporary stage lens on the life of Nell Gwynn, mistress of Charles II, and her part in the theatre of the 17th century.

Nell Gwyn’s Director, Erica Martin said: “When I was asked to direct a show with this multi-talented student company, the first play that came to mind was Nell Gwynn – a fun, cheeky contemporary Restoration piece that showcases one of the first and greatest of actresses.

“What could mirror life and this cast more beautifully than a play that celebrates actors learning their craft, stepping out in front of a public audience for the first time and learning all about celebrating yourself, especially celebrating women.

“This ensemble company and the University’s students have been an utter joy to work with – fun, generous, creative and embracing. I truly feel we’ve created a show that respects the traditions of the Restoration period and brings it to a new modern contemporary audience.”

The second production looked to break a leg (or jaw) with Joy Wilkinson’s ‘The Sweet Science of Bruising’, which brought an epic tale of passion, politics and pugilism where four very different Victorian women were drawn into the dark underground world of female boxing.

The Sweet Science of Bruising’s Director, Barbara Houseman reflected after the first performance: “The play was perfect for the students taking part – the roles were fair, varied and they enjoyed performing.

“Throughout the rehearsals, it was lovely to see the support in the rehearsal room of men towards women which directly opposed the roles in the play – it was truly warming the sensitivity by the actors, and the support by the actresses.

“Despite being slightly daunted by the prospect of acting boxing on stage, the students were delightful to work with. As a Director, I feel utterly supported and held by both the theatre and University, and I already can’t wait to return for next year’s performances!”

One of the lead actresses for The Sweet Science of Bruising’s Violet, Sophie Lawlor said: “Curtain call is always an incredible feeling – I’m incredibly proud of the show we created. Standing on stage with them all was an honour. There’s no better feeling than finishing a show that you know is important – it holds such a special message within, so knowing our piece has, hopefully, touched the heart of the audience is great!

“Boxing on stage felt so empowering. Violet is such a beautifully complicated character, and I loved delving into her internal conflict on her desire to help people, change the world and the ties that held her down. The performance really pushed me as an actress, and I’m incredibly grateful to the production team and my fellow actors.”

“The performance was amazing – the audience were in complete silence, paying attention to every detail of every scene, which is exactly what we wanted and achieved” adds student Richard Akindele, who played the part of The Professor in The Sweet Science of Bruising.

“Working with the full production team – including directors, stage managers, hair, make-up, costume and design – was a surreal feeling, but I felt entirely at home. These end of year shows are truly a rewarding moment for the long three years we have each dedicated to training at the University of Northampton. I speak on behalf of all third year students: thank-you!”

Senior Lecturer in Acting & Drama Owain Rose said: “Here at the University of Northampton, our Acting programme offers rigorous and demanding vocal, physical and psychological training to offer students a better knowledge of themselves to communicate this within whichever role they are playing.

“These shows mark the culmination of this challenging and revealing training. We are enormously proud of every student who performed on The Royal and Derngate’s stage, and we hope they are as proud of themselves.”

Find out more about studying Acting at the University of Northampton.