Audiences had an emotional rollercoaster at The Queen’s Senior School’s production of These Shining Lives.
The poignant play tells the story of four women in prohibition Illinois who begin working for a factory painting watch faces.
They love their work and the camaraderie it brings but soon learn that their employer doesn’t have their best interests at heart. After falling ill from radium poisoning, the women eventually decide to face their future with courage by taking on the system that failed them.
The tale drew stellar performances from girls predominantly in Years 11-13 working as the Epic Theatre Company.
Under the direction of head of drama Katharine Larder, girls rose to their challenging roles and delivered performances many in the audience deemed worthy of the West End.
Mrs Larder said: “This is a hauntingly beautiful play which engages the audience from the outset.
“The girls handled the challenging subject matter with sensitivity and care and were exceptional in creating in-depth characterisations that brought this true story to life.
I am very proud of all they achieved and we have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the production.”
Girls from the lower half of the senior school (Years 7-10) will be putting on a performance of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in January. For tickets contact The Queen’s School’s reception on 01244 312078.
