PUPILS helped transport Blenheim Palace back to 1779 with a school play with a difference. And they were helped by a host of top theatrical names in the process.
Magdalen College School pupils performed an Evening of Home Theatricals over the past two nights, in the style of those put on by the 4th Duke of Marlborough.
The shows, in the Orangery, included musicians, jugglers and actors, and ended with a production of Sheridan’s satire The Critic.
Actor Adam Smith, 17, pictured. said: “I am involved in a big scene re-enacting a battle in the Spanish Armada. I come in as the British fleet and all the Spanish ships go off in flames. Then we sing Rule Britannia and there’s a big pageant.”
About 50 students have been practising the plays for 12 weeks.
They received support from the former director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Adrian Noble, and Blackadder star Tim McInnerny.
Mr Smith said: “They have been really fantastic to work with. They have gone out of their way for us.”
He added: “The costumes are fantastic, people get a real sense of atmosphere.”
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