A word from the Director…
As You Wish is intended to be a loving homage to one of my all time favourite films from the 1980s – The Princess Bride, directed by Rob Reiner and based on the 1973 book by William Goldman. There was something endearing and self-aware yet witty and very poignant about it that made it appealing to both adults and children in a style that was later copied by films likeShrek and Stardust.
I thought that it would make a great adventure romp as a piece of theatre and a lovely way to finish my sixteen years here at Gordonstoun. I also thought that its spectacle and epic events would be a wonderful story to use to return to the Round Square and tell as an outdoor piece. If I could somehow work a way to include songs from favourite band, Take That, what a combination that would be!
So here we are… The weather has conspired against us throughout our two weeks of rehearsal and I quickly remembered why I have not directed a big outdoor show since 2003. However we have had enormous fun as a cast and company despite time pressure and weather and we have all laughed a lot: at each other, at our performances, at our accents, at our dancing, at our costumes, at Jolley’s legs. It is the laughter that I will long remember and take with me. What better way to finish my time and remember the amazing students and staff of Gordonstoun than with laughter and a smile? Well, sunshine would have helped!
Thank you for the magic memories, the laugher and the sunshine you have placed inside me for ever.
As you wish!
Mr W
The story…
When a sick young girl (Nicola R) receives a visit from her doting grandfather (Ben A) who intends to read to her from his favorite book, she’s not exactly pleased to be extracted from her world of music and her beloved Take That. However, her mood quickly changes as she, along with the audoence, is transported to a place out of time… to Florin, a kingdom in the ultimate imaginary land, complete with dashing heroes, cowardly princes, grumpy giants, shrieking eels, rodents of unusual size, fancy swordfights, and yes…even some kissing.
The lovely Buttercup (Ella W) learns that “As you Wish” really means “I Love You” when she falls for her charming farmhand, Westley (Sam R). While trying to seek his fortune, however, Westley disappears at sea, an apparent victim of the Real Dread Pirate Robert (Bethany F), who takes no prisoners.
A few years later, Buttercup, engaged to the oily Prince Humperdinck (Jolley G), is kidnapped by an oddball trio of rogues… brains, the wizard Vizzini (Hermione DM); brawn, the giant Fezzik (Harry H); and skill, the swordsman Inigo Montoya (Calum A). As they sail away toward the Cliffs of Insanity, they notice the pursuit of a man in black…and the adventure begins…
As You Wish was the final production directed by Nigel Williams and ably supported and assisted by Laura Parker and Kim Barton, Baroque and Disco choreography by Sarah Dabell. The entire production was supported and helped by Hannah Capstick, all things technical created and worked by Rob Parker with musical support from Simon Burbury.
Everyone at Gordonstoun wishes Nigel and his family all the very best as they re-locate to Los Angeles where Nigel will shortly be taking up the post of Director of Drama at Chadwick School.
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