As a former, current and forever theatre kid at heart, the mere mention of a school costume cupboard is enough to spark intrigue. Setting a play inside one had me racing to the theatre faster than I ever ran to sign up for the spring production.
Expertly and energetically directed by Paul Ansdell and performed by a formidably talented cast, the play moves seamlessly through a mosaic of backstage dramas, furious devising sessions, tears and laughter, carefully piecing together the highs and lows of school theatre.
In her sixth play, Jo Watt makes a triumphant return to the Old Fire Station with Wardrobe, her second production for Oxford Platforms, following Chemistry in 2018.
Celia Meiras delivers a commanding, unflinching and sharply observed performance as the long-serving head of drama, Mrs Denver, neatly contrasted by Jeremy Drakes as the Headmaster, who must make difficult decisions about the future of drama and the Wardrobe itself.
The student cast offers a masterclass in multi-roling and razor-sharp comedic timing, with Alex Ansdell delivering side-splitting lines as Steve, an enthusiastic student hopeless at devising, before pivoting to a heartbreaking portrayal of Ryan, a confused, angry, Red Bull-fuelled Bennacit. Lolly Plat makes an energetic and engaging impression as Nadie, the trainee drama teacher, while Alix Addinall brings nuance and precision to Ruby, Sienna and Luella. Evlyn Oyedokun is particularly impressive, shifting effortlessly between a troubled Year 11 navigating a challenging storyline and an irrepressible Year 7 bursting onto the stage. Rosamund Williams provides assured support as Lou and Alice, and Nico Minott completes the ensemble with warmth, wit and sharp intuition as Jacob and Daniel.
The production design is a triumph in its own right. Will Welch’s skilful lighting and technical design create a rich, immersive atmosphere that perfectly complements Alice Thornley’s carefully curated chaos of a set.
Leaving the theatre, two things occurred to me: first, to call my secondary school drama teacher, and second, to track down the next touring production of Our Country’s Good for a nostalgia trip.
Wardrobe perfectly captured the school experience and the moments that shape you, reminding us why we keep coming back to theatre, no matter how many years pass, and how heartbreaking it would be if future pupils were denied these experiences.