1001 Arabian Nights - Year 6 Play

30 March 2012

Children, teachers and parents at Downsend School were last week transported to a land of magical stories. Sixty one Year 6 children recreated the magic of stories in the production of 1001 Arabian Nights, written and directed by two of their teachers. 

The production was a story, told in parts by a narrator, and in parts by Shahrazad to the King. As the story unfolded, from the comfort of the palace, the action played out around the narrators; beginning with the tale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, where we met exuberant & extravagant characters alongside those with murderous intent! It moved on to the tale of The Little Beggar, making the audience laugh and cry, before introducing The Envious Sisters in a tale of perseverance and courage and concluding with The Story Without an Ending.

Mrs Ellis-Barrett and Miss Khobabuccus, the directors, said of the experience that it was wonderful to have so many children taking part and finding a new voice through drama. 'We have some stars in the making amongst the cast.'

Quotes from the cast:

Maisy Presley, age 10. 'It was a great experience being in the play and I would love to do it again.'

Megan Wrigglesworth, age 10. 'The costumes were brilliant and it was great fun.'

Jess Hoare, age 10. 'I love going on stage and acting in front of the audience.'

Polly Murray, age 10. 'It helped me face my fear of acting in front of a big audience.'

Guy Peppiatt, age 10. 'It was brilliant when we performed after all the weeks of practice!'

Matt Evans, age 10. 'It was breathtaking.'

Riley Milson, age 10. 'It was fantastic to be on stage and see the audience reaction.'

Louise Ellis-Barrett