The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾

The Commonweal School - A Performing Arts College proudly present their annual production which this year is Sue Townsend's excellent stage play The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ .

The performances are staged on the 7th, 8th and 9th of March from 7.pm - 9.30pm. Tickets, priced £5 adults and £3 concessions are currently on sale from Margaret Baker the school's secretary tel 01793 612727.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ is an unabashed, pimples-and-all glimpse into the troubled life of an adolescent. Writing candidly about his parents' marital troubles, the dog, his life as a tortured poet and 'misunderstood intellectual', teenager Adrian Mole's painfully honest diary makes hilarious and compelling viewing.

Commented Keith Defter school Head and co-director of the production." I am delighted that what is predominantly a Year 10 production has arrived at full performance stage, having begun life as a few selected scenes for an evening of entertainment 18 months ago. I was impressed then by the calibre of performances and remain so.

This production has been testimony to one of my fundamental beliefs : students respond positively when given responsibility. This relatively small but perfectly formed cast has organised and motivated itself to such a degree that the task of directing - if indeed that is what I've been doing, has been a joy. Huge thanks must go to the Year 10 girls and a small posse of staff who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and to Miss Birkbeck and Miss Browning, whose impact has been massive and much appreciated. I hope you enjoy the evening as much as I've enjoyed the rehearsals."

Reviews "Having just returned home from an evening with Adrian Mole I can honestly say what a fantastic performance from all concerned. The shear dedication and enthusiasm really stood out in the acting, the children really threw themselves at this play with gusto. It was played out in the true spirit of Adrian Mole with some outstanding and powerful performances from Natasha Croft and Ryan Morgan as Pauline and George Mole. These two certainly have an acting career in front of them if that's the road they wish to go down, superb!

Matthew Purvis took his role and milked it for all it was worth, the dry sense of humour of Adrian really came to life. Some astounding character acting from Sam James as old Bert Baxter, reminding me of a young David Jason who plays the older characters so well.

Bring on the next play I will certainly be there if it half as good as this one. Well done. Kind regards Paul Clarke - School Governor Saw play last night. Absolutely brilliant. A cast to be proud of. Had a good laugh which was well needed. Well done to everyone!" Pat Rowe - School Governor.

"I saw Adrian Mole on the final night and I must say I haven't laughed out loud as much in a long time. I would have paid to watch it again! I know how much work and rehearsal has gone into this play and it really did show. Well done to everyone involved.

Although everyone was brilliant, my men of the match were Ryan Morgan and Alex Hedge.. I am looking forward to the next production already." Phil Marshman - School Governor.

"Please pass on my congratulation to all who were involved. It was a most enjoyable evening and I feel so proud of you all. Well done - yet another success and proof that Commonweal has their finger on the pulse." Josie Williams - Community Arts Development Officer.

"Comedy is always difficult to do and it is a testimony to the enthusiasm, skill and hard work of all involved that the play went so well last night. The performances were well done, comic timing had been considered and the audience laughed loudly and often.

Scenes were punctuated by well chosen pop songs, all of which added to the atmosphere and enhanced the performance. I think the best example of this was the use of Queen's "I want to break free". The actor playing Adrian's father performed a hysterical mime, mimicking Freddie Mercury's performance in the video to the song and displaying brilliant stage presence.

The young actors all displayed considerable talent and really brought the story to life, no mean feat given the themes of the piece (separation, relationships etc) and are a credit to the school and the drama department." Victor Chamberlain - School Governor.