Woven feedback

By Cheney School students

Reflections and suggestions from students following ‘The Alternative Queen’s Speech’ workshop in Oxford, June 2022

Mary

I massively enjoyed the insightful peek into Penelope's life stuck at home for twenty years! The piano and singing skillfully incorporated the story into the sound; like Penelope's weaving, everything felt interwoven and interlaced. The workshop was a fun addition to get an understanding of the thoughts behind the piece.

Elsa

I really enjoyed the performance, especially the many different sides to Penelope shown by different actors simultaneously on stage. I thought that was really creative: a weaving Penelope showing her outward activity, a narrating Penelope reflecting on her story, and, of course, the musical side!

Millie

I really enjoyed the performance. The singing was absolutely incredible and I loved how there was a musical story as well as a spoken narration. The weaving side as well just emphasised the story. If I were to give any feedback, it would be that the last scene, where the telling of the maids murder was repeated was a little unclear. Maybe it would be possible to make the two singers more clearly have different reactions, or make them different versions of Penelope all the way through? However, I really really enjoyed it and honestly can't wait to come see the finished product!

Bhu

I think the performance was very good as I felt connected to the story and the music and singing was incredible. The switch between singing and acting/monologue was good as it gave the viewers a clear understanding of the storyline and emotions. The only bit that confused me was at the end when the singers briefly swapped roles but the director explained it to us after.

Imogen

really enjoyed It especially the different ways penelope was represented (the singing, talking, weaving)

Elsa

My one piece of feedback would be regarding the two Penelopes - I thought it would be more interesting to have each singer depicting a different side to her, clearly showing that they are playing the same character in different ways. I thought they were a bit too similar, which then began to beg the question of why you’d need two singers if you wouldn’t explore the possibilities having two. On that note, I thought it could be interesting to have more moments of duet, less of one singer repeating the other.

Mary 

I really enjoyed the musical aspect -- I think a few more instruments could have a big impact and bring it all together. Altogether, I really enjoyed it - please keep going!