Barber of Seville

Year Seven pupils gave two performances of The Barber of Seville by Beaumarchais last week. Set in 18th Century Seville, the story is
of a rich young girl Rosina, played by Alice Whelan and Emily Scadgell who is kept under lock and key by her crusty old guardian Bartolo (Leo Kary). Bartolo intends to marry Rosina with the aid of an unscrupulous priest Bazilio (Liberty Hatton), who is also Rosina's music teacher. Count Almaviva, (Chibundu Okwuosa and Alexandra Brown) disguised as
Lindor, a student, woos her with the aid of the cunning local barber and general busybody, Figaro (Louise Currie-Crouch). Ok so far?
Almaviva gains entry to the house, first as a drunken officer and secondly as a priest, managing to cause total confusion each time, but also to speak to Rosina. Figaro and Almaviva plan Rosina's escape and, after various confusions and misunderstandings, the lovers are united. A terrific production with the young cast rising to the task and carrying both the story line and humour to very good effect.

February 2006