As NSTA Representatives, we had the pleasure of attending the final performance of Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside’s production of Big Bad on Thursday 2nd April 2026. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was an experience designed to engage and immerse. Even before entering the theatre, pupils greeted us in character, inviting us to swear oaths “to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth” as witnesses. This immediate interaction set a playful and purposeful tone, drawing the audience into the fairy tale courtroom world from the very beginning.
Big Bad is a one act play by Alec Strum offering a wickedly subversive and meta-theatrical exploration of the fairy-tale world, transforming the traditional “happily ever after” into a high-stakes, televised courtroom drama. Centred on the lawsuit brought against the notorious Big Bad Wolf, few productions invite their audience quite so directly into the heart of the story as Big Bad, and the pupils of Shrewsbury Riverside Bangkok embraced this imaginative courtroom tale with confidence, humour, and a strong sense of theatrical play. This clever reimagining of familiar fairy tales placed the audience at the centre of the action, transforming them into witnesses tasked with deciding the fate of the Wolf.
The foyer had been thoughtfully transformed into an extension of the performance space, featuring evidence boards, wanted posters and interactive fingerprint activities. This immersive environment not only built anticipation but also reinforced the narrative framework of the trial. Inside the theatre, this concept continued seamlessly, with caution tape marking seating areas and a well-realised courtroom set establishing the central setting.
As the performance began, the use of technology immediately helped to frame the audience’s role within the story. A live video feed from the reporters was projected onto the screen, creating the sense that the trial was unfolding in real time before us. This clear theatrical choice signposted the start of proceedings with confidence, positioning the audience as active observers and reinforcing the courtroom atmosphere established from the moment of arrival.
Risa made a striking entrance as the Fairy Godmother, serving as the prosecution’s lawyer. Her opening address to the camera was delivered with confidence and clarity, immediately establishing authority and control. Her assured performance anchored the courtroom proceedings and provided a strong focal point for the narrative.
Opposite her, Octa’s portrayal of the Wolf was equally compelling. Entering with a confident and expressive speech, he introduced a sense of tension and intrigue as he questioned the fairness of the court. Although not always speaking, Octa remained fully engaged throughout, maintaining character with consistent reactions to the evidence presented. His expressive facial work and physical responses added a strong visual layer to the storytelling.
The defence team, led by Patty as the Evil Stepmother alongside Jua and Jana as the stepsisters, brought a lively and entertaining energy to the courtroom. Their confident, diva-like attitude and disregard for courtroom decorum provided a steady stream of humour. Their commitment to staying in character, whether reacting to testimony or conferring with one another, helped sustain the pace and tone of the production.
Throughout the production, the playful reinterpretation of familiar fairy tale characters added an additional layer of humour. Earn’s punk-inspired Little Red Riding Hood was a particularly entertaining example, bringing a bold and distinctive characterisation that delighted the audience. The Four Pigs, played by Skye, Claire, Mia and Tyler, demonstrated excellent ensemble work. Each performer established a clear and distinct character, supported by confident vocal delivery and physical expression. Their interactions created strong comedic moments that were warmly received by the audience. Frame’s portrayal of Mrs Potts was another highlight, combining confident delivery with a flair for melodrama, particularly in her expressive reactions and heightened responses to the destruction of confectionery.
The ensemble as a whole showed clear evidence of rehearsal and collaboration. Their ability to react collectively to key moments, such as the final verdict, reinforced the strength of the group dynamic. The reporters in particular brought energy and clarity to their roles, maintaining strong characterisation and leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The use of physical narrators added variety to the storytelling, engaging the audience through mime and movement. Their contributions during key moments, including the sequence leading into the audience vote, were clearly rehearsed and confidently performed. Even in smaller roles, pupils demonstrated strong commitment to character; Angela, as the sketch artist, remained consistently engaged, carefully sketching the courtroom proceedings throughout. This attention to detail contributed to the overall authenticity of the scene.
The production’s structure placed the audience firmly at the centre of the narrative, culminating in a live vote to determine the Wolf’s fate. This moment created a palpable sense of excitement in the theatre, with pupils animatedly discussing their decisions. The voting process itself was handled smoothly and efficiently, reflecting strong organisation behind the scenes. The cast responded seamlessly to the outcome, continuing the performance without interruption. We were particularly impressed to learn that in an earlier performance for the Prep School, pupils performed both possible endings, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to exploring the nuances of performance and storytelling.
Big Bad at Shrewsbury Riverside Bangkok was a joyful and engaging production that showcased the creativity, confidence and collaborative spirit of its pupils. With its inventive staging, strong ensemble work, and imaginative audience interaction, the performance created a memorable theatrical experience that celebrated both storytelling and participation.