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29 Merchant Taylors’ Prep School Newsletter - 05.07.2019 Year 8 Holes MTP Drama Congratulations to Year 8 on their pulsating production of Louis Sachar’s best-selling novel ‘Holes’, which played three sell-out performances in The New Barn Theatre last week. Set in a U.S. juvenile detention centre, a gang of teenage social misfits had to dig five foot holes in the sweltering Texas desert in search of mysterious treasure. Mature and courageous performances from our boys had packed houses mesmerised by Sachar’s tantalising tale, while a thumping Hip Hop soundtrack enhanced the rising drama and danger on stage. A rich and eclectic mix of modern and period costumes from Mrs Toumanova brought the intermingled worlds of Texas, Latvia and the Wild West to life, with her evocative stage design boasting an impressive mountain backdrop plus eight striking ‘holes’ in the desert expertly ‘dug’ as trapdoors by Mr Harper and Mr Winn. Sneakers fell from the sky, boats capsized and family curses were lifted as Year 8 delivered this epic and inspirational story in style. Atmospheric stage lighting was provided by professional designer Mr Dymock, with Paashi Mohammadi and Sid Tiwari operating sound and lighting respectively. Additional thanks must go to Mrs Gadd, Mrs Smith, Mr Smith, Mrs Nye and the huge sta team who also supported the production backstage and front of house. But the last word must go to our superb company of Year 8 actors, who wowed us two years ago with their slick and stylish ‘Bugsy Malone’ and who impressed us once again with their confident performances of flair, depth and talent. It was another unforgettable evening of spectacular entertainment in The New Barn Theatre, from a hugely talented collection of Year 8 boys who have a wealth of dramatic experience and ability to o er their new schools. Good luck, boys! Spencer Hinton Head of Speech and Drama Good to see members of the original 2014 cast make it to each show Y8 sound and lighting trainees