English
|
|
We advocate reflective practice through the study of English literature, enabling our students to contemplate, analyse and challenge arising concepts. We promote reading from a wide variety of literature to encourage the formation of opinions on the world around them. This is bolstered through theatre visits, workshops, competitions and the use of our excellent library facilities.
As teachers of English we work to promote a positive experience and understanding of English Literature and Language and to encourage every student to achieve their full potential.
As teachers of English we work to promote a positive experience and understanding of English Literature and Language and to encourage every student to achieve their full potential.
Topics
For the students, by the studentsAn area for revision notes that students have shared with each other.
|
Theatre Trip - Blood Brothers
Have you heard the story of the Johnston Twins? By now most people have. Willie Russell’s breathtaking story of a Liverpool mother and her two twins who were separated at birth, is a favourite with Irish audiences. Russell writes dialogue like nobody else and Blood Brothers stands above other musicals for its genuine, engaging and hilarious characters.
Willie Russell’s Songs Contribute as much as the script to make the show one of the most powerful in British musical history. Blood Brothers still sounds like it did in the 80’s. You might wounder if the musical would benefit anyone in the 21st century, but why fix it if it ain’t broke and songs like the closing number ‘Tell me it’s not true’ sure ain’t broke. Something else that sure ain’t broke is Rebecca Storm’s performance of Mrs Johnston, a role that she has been playing since 1983, across a dozen productions in those thirty one years. Some stars are born to play certain roles and Rebecca was born to play Miss Johnston. Having also performed other major musical roles such as Fantine in Les Misérables, the opportunity to watch Rebecca Storm at work was well worth the price. The rest of the cast were also brilliant, particularly Sean Jones, Joel Benedict and Danielle Corlass as Mickey, Eddie and Linda, who transform from seven almost eight year old kids to twenty something within two acts. |
|
Having earned ‘The standing ovation’ over the years, Blood Brothers starts strong and ends with a bang. An observer might advice the Board Gais Energy Theatre of installing spring underneath the seats because when Storm brings down the house with ‘Tell me it’s not true’ and the lights go to a full black-out, the audience spring from their feet, clapping and tears streaming down their cheeks.
When the final curtain has come down and the tears have dried up, the audience exit the theatre humming along to that epic finale. Blood Brothers passes the test in flying colours. It’s a classic of a British musical theatre.
By Sinéad Giblin
When the final curtain has come down and the tears have dried up, the audience exit the theatre humming along to that epic finale. Blood Brothers passes the test in flying colours. It’s a classic of a British musical theatre.
By Sinéad Giblin
Student Writing
Click on the images to read some outstanding stories by our junior cycle students.