Whale

4 July 2016

After giving 12 years of outstanding and dedicated service to his role in the Drama Department, Chris Walters bowed out with his final Congreve production on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 June.

His swansong was a play called ‘Whale’ by David Holman. It tells the true story of the events of October 1988 when three Californian grey whales were trapped under the Arctic ice-cap near Point Barrow in Alaska. The fate of Putu, Siku and K’nik became a matter of worldwide concern and united Inuit, American, Russian and Canadian people, together with a Soviet Naval icebreaker ship, in a bid to save them from suffering a tragic death.

Chris’s production involved an onstage cast of 26 Third and Fourth Formers, playing a number of roles ranging from Inuit Warriors to American High School children, Russian officers, American politicians, businessmen and many others.

The production had real style, incorporating some superb physical theatre techniques, dance, song and the most effective and imaginative use of props and accessories in order to tell this epic tale.

My sincere thanks go to Chris and his capable and creative co-director Lucy Brassell. They marshalled and cajoled a superb company who were able to demonstrate and sustain some accomplished performance skills. To all of those associated with the production, whether performing or offering much needed technical support and guidance back stage, we send our thanks and congratulations. ‘Whale’ was a triumph and a suitably fitting fond farewell from one of my most trusted and respected colleagues.

Nick Bayley, Director of Drama