UV and A Level Drama pupils were treated to a powerful night of theatre this week when they enjoyed an impressive staging of Machinal by Sophie Treadwell at the Ustinov Studio, Bath Theatre Royal. Machinal is an American expressionist play from the 1920s which tells the tragic story of the 'Young Woman', trapped in a loveless marriage and turning to murder as a way out, receiving the full force of justice.

The students were dazzled by the sheer invention of the acclaimed production, with its superb multi-roling cast, inventive use of space that seemed both claustrophobic, and evocative of 20s America, harsh and endlessly changing lighting, eerie and shocking sound effects, and above all, a mesmerising, intense central performance from Welsh actress Rosie Sheehy. 

A very special night of classic theatre that all found rewarding and thought-provoking. 

Mr Duncan Ellis, Director of Drama