I had the privilege, in my capacity as an NSTA representative, of attending a production of Bright. Young. Things. at Stafford Grammar School on 21st November 2025. Under the expert guidance of Head of Drama Miss Smith and pupil Assistant Director/Producer Pippa Fossdal-White, the company delivered a polished and memorable performance that captured both the wit and poignancy of this remarkable play.
Bright. Young. Things. is a captivating and thought provoking play centred on six child prodigies competing in a high stakes television quiz show. Beneath the humour and fast paced energy lies a deeper exploration of self doubt, resilience, and the pressures of success in a world shaped by producers and performance. The 2011 play by Georgia Christou is part of an initiative from Tonic Theatre aimed at achieving greater gender equality in theatre, publishing plays with predominantly or all female casts, written specifically for performance by young actors.
Early on, we were introduced to the six child geniuses, each brought to life with distinctive flair: Adam, the disinterested contestant whose apathy proved both amusing and relatable performed with great charm by Jack; Hester, the brave yet superstitious competitor performed creatively by Vita; the competitive twin sisters, Jasmine and Sheara, dressed identically and performed with great enthusiasm by Lucy and Holly; Bernie as the mathematical genius performed with conviction by Sebastian; and Rochelle, the empathetic ‘underdog’ who was forced into being a contestant, performed with great nuance by Piper. What truly elevated the production was the interplay between these characters, which created moments of genuine tenderness that balanced the comedy beautifully.
At the heart of this play is Rochelle, a brilliantly intelligent girl unexpectedly drafted into the competition, who – alongside her peers – ultimately discovers that true achievement is defined not by external validation, but by self acceptance and authenticity. Piper’s performance as Rochelle deserves special recognition. She delivered an assured and nuanced portrayal, capturing both the sharp intelligence and vulnerability of her character. Her handling of the more poignant moments, particularly those involving her father, was subtle yet powerful, drawing the audience in and leaving a lasting impact, while also punctuating the comedic moments of the piece.
Sebastian’s assured portrayal of Bernie was particularly memorable, capturing the burden of genius as more isolating than fortunate. His journey was striking, and his unexpected performance of Queen alongside the foot stomping ensemble provided levity and light relief, executed with great flair.
Equally compelling was Holly’s nuanced performance as Shera, skilfully conveying the frustration of being constantly compared to her sister and her yearning to assert her individuality. This was highlighted in the cleverly choreographed fashion show sequence, where she created a new identity for herself and the audience. Lucy also shone as Jasmine, delivering an excellent performance as a spoiled, dislikeable brat, her screwed up facial expressions and sneering looks perfectly embodying the character.
The supporting ensemble played a pivotal role in the production’s success. The twelve sharply dressed producers, sporting their funky glasses, injected constant vibrancy and pace; their razor-sharp synchronicity and impeccable comic timing added an extra layer of energy that kept the audience fully engaged throughout. Despite their number, they moved perfectly in sync; mirroring the actions of other performers one moment, then miming disgust when contestants revealed their vulnerabilities the next. Their work didn’t just provide humour; it also generated real tension. A standout moment came near the end, when their intense choral chanting heightened a contestant’s discomfort, and the striking tableaux during Shera’s difficult decision showcased both deft direction and exemplary ensemble performance.
Other supporting roles brought the show to life. The over-the-top presenters, played with gusto by Joel and Richard, exhibited excellent rapport with the audience through subtle glances and exaggerated grins. The judges, portrayed by Belle and Theo, added realism and drama, heightening the stakes for the contestants.
Visually, the staging was simple yet highly effective, allowing the focus to remain on the characters and their relationships. The bright, colourful costumes were perfectly chosen, reflecting the personalities of each contestant and enhancing the lively atmosphere of the show.
As Miss Smith noted, this play is a comedy drama with laugh out loud moments and themes that resonate strongly with teenagers. The ensemble expertly crafted these moments on stage, ensuring the audience experienced a spectacle that was both poignant and uplifting. Overall, this was a vibrant, intelligent, and thoroughly enjoyable production. It showcased not only the strength of the script but also the creativity, discipline, and talent of the pupils involved. Stafford Grammar School should be immensely proud of this achievement, which demonstrated the power of youth theatre to entertain, challenge, and inspire.
National School Theatre Awards
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