The set costume and lighting was minimal but successful. It worked well because there was no need for a lot of interruption for set change. The costume that the actors had was used well; the actor would change one item, to define a different character. The basic costume was a seventies school uniform. Lights were dimmed between some scenes for small set changes or costume changes but were not over the top or used to frequently. The music often related to school life or was contemporary chart music.
The techniques used were well thought out for playing multiple characters. The three actors all had to play multiple characters with different genders, accents, and ages. For example, one actor would often change character mid-scene from an old caretaker to a young schoolgirl.
The actors used good techniques so that they could stay on stage after one characters part had been finished. They would slowly fade from the audience focus, as they turned around. At this point, the actor would often change part of their appearance, putting on some glasses for example. They would then regain focus as they turned back round and they would play a different character. The three actors often played the same characters at different times. They all made sure they used the same traits for each character e.g. Oggy’s walk and the same costume, the hat.
All the characters played were very stereotypical, the bully, the nerd etc. I think this was done so that everybody could relate to the play. The narrating was also performed by all three actors depending on the scene or the character focus. One technique that needed improving was acting and vocal projection, I think the play was designed for a small audience, so when it is performed to a large audience on a large stage actions and speech need to be enhanced. I think this production would have benefited or improved with an outside director who would spot problems easily.
I enjoyed the play because it is easy to relate to on any level. My favourite moments were the scenes with the most exaggerated and stereotypical characters in, I think they made they play very amusing. The audience responded light- heartedly, laughing and to an extent interacting with the play. The mood tended to change from scene to scene depending on how the main character felt at the time, I think this worked well because it made the audience empathise with him, making them like or respond to the people he liked and disliked. The play has taught me some good techniques to use, when playing multiple characters and shown me how effective they can be. .
