BY JAKEY AND EMILY

Booming Boudica, royal Roman armies, countless crazy costumes and sensational superior stunning songs – all in one perfect play!

On Friday, at 2:30 pm, the Year 3s performed a phenomenal masterpiece in front of 350 kids aged 7 to 12. Despite the age gap, everyone was amazed by their brilliant knowledge and acting skills. The play started off with an opening song, IN LATIN!! The audience was confused what language the song was in at first, but as the play went on, they eventually caught on.

Ms. Niya (the talented director of this play, known to be a successful actor prior to joining Judith Kerr) wrote the script and wowed the audience with her carefully planned choral lines and chants. We particularly loved the choral chant involving the two tribes as they faced each other heroically and shouted perfectly in time to the beat of a drum. 

Another stand out moment was when one bold actress humorously announced the following line: “Taxes, taxes, the more you own, the more you pay” on repeat! This was particularly resonant and ironic given the current, unpredictable government we have in 2024. 

Towards the end of the play, another pair of talented actors took to the stage: a “student” and a “quiz host”. The quiz involved a series of questions which they had to answer without using any words from Latin. For example, one question was: “Describe your life in four sentences.” Petra then answered: “I live with my family, I go to school.” At which point we heard bells ringing which meant she had failed. This game proved just how many words come from Latin. As Petra exited the stage, we loved the moment when she shouted: “This game is so idiotic!” At which point we heard yet another bell again and the quiz host stating: “Idiotic comes from the Latin word Idioticus!”

For the finale of the show they all sung a song called “Rocking Romans!” This concluded the show as the hall burst in to raptures of applause and smiles after the final song. 

The Mog Chronicle interviewed Ms. Niya, one of the fantastic Year 3 teachers who oversaw the play production.

MOG: Who helped you write the script, or did you do it alone?

Ms. Niya: I found the script on the BBC website and was immediately enamored by its wit and detail.  However, it was written for Y5s and 6s and was very long!  So it took rather a long time, many days in fact, to edit it down to an appropriate length and language for Y3s.  I tried to keep most of the funny bits in though, which the Y3s loved and performed beautifully.  They definitely have funny bones!

I edited it alone. I’ve written short film scripts in the past but I’ve never taken someone else’s work and edited – especially a script written for children.  I found it really tough to be honest and I’m currently on edit 11!

MOG: Did you find directing the show hard?

Ms. Niya: I didn’t find directing it hard.  The children were truly amazing and took all tips and suggestions on board bringing it to the next rehearsal.  I was honestly blown away by their talent and when it all started coming together, it was deeply rewarding.  

MOG: How hard was it to the make the songs?

Ms. Niya: The songs were also available on the BBC – we just shortened them as they were too long.  I found the Latin one ‘Per Aspera’ – our opening song – on YouTube.  Ms. Julia sent me a bunch of German songs too in which I found “I’m Amphitheater” which was perfect!  It’s worth noting how impressed Mr. Aiden was how quickly they learnt the Latin song, which he put down to us being a bilingual school and them having extra special bilingual ability. Last week, I found our closing song “Rocking Romans” which was perfect. It’s funny how shows all come together somehow – I love that about the theatre. 

MOG: How long did it take to get the Year 3’s to memorise their lines?

Ms. Niya: Most of the children learnt their lines in really good time and only a few needed reminding – overall no worries at all.

MOG: Were you impressed with some individuals?

Ms. Niya: I was super impressed by their acting and performing talent – amazing stuff!  

MOG: Did the kids help?

Ms. Niya: The children have been super helpful making props: shields, swords, hammers, saws and the Roman Columns – thank you so much! Also a thank you to Ms. Georgia in doing a great job on sound, helping with rehearsals and preparing the children with hair, make-up and costumes. And my daughter Maya (a former JKPS pupil) who came in yesterday to help prep!

Here at The Mog Chronicle we wanted to say a huge well done to Ms. Niya who did such an incredible job on the production. As the review above suggests we were all blown away with the professionalism and talent on show. What a great summer production season we are having, bring on Year 4 (no pressure guys!!!). And if you missed it, here is our review of the Year 2 performance about the Great Fire of London.