So often boys and parents appreciate the school's plays without fully realising what is actually happening behind the scenes, nor are they aware of the amount of preparation before a play begins.

All plays naturally begin with the auditions, which allow the producer to discover who has a sound Jewish voice, who wants to play the female(!) and who only wants a non-speaking part. From the auditions a cast is formed, then begins the laborious process of learning lines. In the past, third formers have been forced to recite the female parts in romantic love scenes in order to help the sixth formers learn their lines!

Some years ago, Dave Martin was given the much envied role as "The Yoghurt Eating Man" in a play called "DEEDS". I was a little jealous, but eventually managed to land the part as a beer drinking Yorkshire politician (such is the casting nowadays!).

The atmosphere backstage during a performance is friendly but tense. Actors frantically mutter lines to themselves and readjust their clothing before the curtain rises. Quick costume changes always prove to be a nuisance, but at the same time can be very comical - to see actors clad merely in school issue underwear stepping nervously into stockings, whilst others clumsily fiddle with their padded bras provides much amusement for the backstage crew.

The staff behind the scenes, led by the illustrious stage manager, put a great deal of work into all drama productions; constructing and painting the scenery; controlling the lights; providing all the props. There is also the curtain raiser and the prompt, all vital in the smooth running of a production.

Drama within the school is an extremely valuable activity, allowing year groups to mix and giving boys the opportunity to act in a variety of plays, which over the years have included contemporary comedy, musicals, Shakespearean productions and even plays of their own.

K. RAYNOR

Our projected production of the "Devil's Disciple" was not realised. We were not able to combine with the girls of Dover Grammar School as our production date clashed with their school play!

So, at time of going to press, we are rehearsing David Compton's "Time-sneeze" with a view to touring the local primary schools with the play. It has a small cast, is readily adapted to performance in "an open space" rather than necessarily on stage, and is designed for an 8/9 year old audience.