With less than one week until Trinity Drama presents the Lower School production of Alice, we caught up with Miss Deas, Director, and Third Year student Thomas, Assistant Director, to get the lowdown on rehearsals, props, and more.
Miss Deas said, “It’s absolute madness, but in the best possible way. We’re handmaking hedgehogs, have flamingoes on order and are finessing our soundtrack, which consists primarily of alt-rock 90s/00s songs including Eminem, Blur, Radiohead. I definitely see this as an education in alt-rock for the youth of today!
“We also have a projection specialist working with us, and three projectors kindly donated by Old Palace Drama Department. It’s also been lovely to welcome three Year 6 students from Old Palace to join our Alice cast in named parts, I hope they’ve enjoyed the Trinity Drama experience!”
Thomas has taken on the role of Assistant Director for the first time, we asked him a few questions.
How have you found the AD experience?
“I’ve found it really eye-opening – not just in understanding my own creative process while working with the cast, but also in seeing how others, like Miss Deas, approach character work differently. Though our thought processes are similar, analysing these contrasts has been fascinating. Having acted in nearly every Trinity Drama production before, it’s been refreshing to step back and observe from the other side. It’s helped me grow personally, and I hope it’s been helpful to the cast as well.”
What have you enjoyed most about the process?
“I’ve especially loved the moments – more common now as we approach the final show – when I’ve worked closely with a small group or even just one person. Diving deep into characters, scenes, and the meaning behind each line has been fascinating. It’s that kind of detailed, behind-the-scenes work that I find really exciting.”
What are you most looking forward to about Show Week?
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the costumes – they’re so bold and vibrant, just like the characters. Bringing them to life physically will add another layer to the production and help the cast embody their roles even more. I’m also excited to see the full shape of things – how the characters develop and how the plot shapes their journeys.”
What, if anything, do you think will surprise the audience, without giving away too much?
“Entrances and exits – I’m not going to give any more than that! The audience can work that out for themselves when they come and see it.”
Who is your favourite character?
“At this point, I’d say Alice – both versions [the character is split between two students] – because it’s fascinating to see how different actors bring out different sides of the same character. But I also really enjoy the White Rabbit – he’s so full of energy and warmth, which makes him a lot of fun to watch.”
What have you learned through the process?
“The most important thing I think I’ve learned is that this is a lot more difficult than I anticipated, but I mean, that is to be expected!”
Top tip for future Trinity Drama Assistant Directors?
“Be helpful. You don’t realise how much behind-the-scenes admin goes into a production until you’re in it – and every detail matters. While it’s important to share your creative ideas and vision, always remember you’re there to support. It’s about forming a creative partnership and helping the lead director bring the vision to life.”
There are still tickets available, don’t be late…book here.
Scroll right to see more stories
