By Mr Stratton (Director of Drama and Dance)

Our recent theatre trip with Years 10 to Upper Sixth drama students to watch Sam Holcroft’s play A Mirror at the Trafalgar Theatre was truly engaging. The play, inspired by Holcroft's experiences in North Korea, explores censorship and its impact on creativity.

As the curtains went up, we were immersed in a world of deception. Set against a backdrop of a repressive regime, the story unfolded with twists and turns, keeping us interested until the end. Through the eyes of Adem, a struggling playwright facing censorship, we explored the complexities of storytelling and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.

Jeremy Herrin's direction skilfully navigated the play's themes, with Max Jones' set design enhancing the experience. The transition between the office setting and the underground theatre world was seamless, making for a memorable experience.

The cast, with Jonny Lee Miller as Čelik at the forefront, delivered performances that held our attention throughout. Micheal Ward's portrayal of Adem brought a sensitivity to the character, while Tanya Reynolds' portrayal of Mei added a mix of humour and depth to the story. Geoffrey Streatfeild's portrayal of Bax added a subtle touch of charm to the ensemble.

Although there were some moments that made us wonder about the play's direction, the surprising twist at the end reminded us of the importance of storytelling and resilience.

Chloe Rogers (Year 11) reflected: “I really liked the performance of the mirror because it was a very abstract experience since the actors broke the fourth wall a lot and the audience were very involved in the play. I liked all of the characters because they were very engaging and interactive with the audience.”