A GROUP of school students charted a terrifying descent into chaos in their production of a play based on a Nobel Prize-winning novel.

The students of Caldicot School transported audiences to a remote island where a group of British boys have been stranded following a plane crash where savagery becomes dominant in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies.

Like many modern productions, the two-night run featured a cast of boys and girls, with Leah Adamson as Piggy, the doomed voice of reason, Caleb Hill as the moral leader Ralph and Will Shannon as the cruel Jack.

It also featured Liam Mitchell in the role of Henry, Arwen Skinner as Sam, Tom Wilson as Eric, Tilly Matthews as Roberts, Coco Huffinley as Sarah, Beatrice Attewell as Belinda, Amelia Jenkins as Marie, Grace Walby as Rebecca, Jenna Nelson as Elizabeth, Connie-Jo Reeks as Constance, Reu- ben Attree as Perceval and Thomas Roseburgh as the naval officer.

In addition to excellent performances by the Years Seven to 10 students, the lighting, music and set design contributed to the oppressive atmosphere of the piece with pupils having many off-stage roles.

The students also had the benefit of working with two professionals.

Marcus Shakesheff, who has worked on ma-jor films and is a parent at the school, and theatre professional Kevin McCurdy assisted with the fight choreography.

School subject leader for drama, Clare Ashton, said they alternated between producing a play and a musical.

She said: “We try to do a play every other year, because if you have a student who doesn’t have a great singing voice, they don’t have an opportunity to get a leading role.”

Ms Ashton added: “We try to find something that has something to say to its audience.

“It is a really powerful piece that has a lot to say about humanity and it has been really challenging in terms of the different styles and the staging and lighting.

“It was a great experience to be able to work with Marcus and Kevin and we are very grateful for their time and expertise.

“We’ve been working on it since October and they’ve been a fantastic cast – their attendance at rehearsals has been very consistent. To pull it off is quite something, because it is quite an ask for a young cast.

“We do invest a lot in extra-curricular activities and the senior leadership team has always been very supportive.

“We start young and give them the opportunity and they get the bug.”

School head Steven Grech said: “It is impor- tant for us as a community to recognise that opportunities like this give us a chance to celebrate and applaud our talented students and their polished performances.”

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.