Welcome to the House of Fun

Shiplake College returned to the Kenton Theatre this February with its Whole College Production of Our House – The Madness Musical, performed over two vibrant evenings on 4 and 5 February. Featuring students from Year 7 to Year 13, the show delivered a lively blend of humour, emotion and iconic Madness hits, leaving audiences thoroughly entertained.

At the heart of the production was Jack Dag as Joe Casey, who impressed with his strong vocals and remarkable ability to switch between the contrasting roles of Good Joe and Bad Joe. Opposite him, Bethany Redstone brought warmth and sincerity to the role of Sarah, delivering beautiful, emotionally layered vocals. Adding emotional depth was G Knight as Joe’s Dad, whose gentle and heartfelt performance resonated strongly with audiences. The show’s darker edge came from George Watson as Reecey, whose commanding stage presence and menacing portrayal earned authentic boos—a true testament to his skill. Balancing the tension were the production’s comedic highlights. Will Griffith (Lewis) and Archie Parmer (Emmo) formed a well‑timed comedic double act, bouncing off each other with natural ease and providing many crowd‑pleasing moments. George Harrison (Billy) and Eli Evans (Angie) continued the humour with pitch‑perfect deadpan delivery that sparked laughter throughout the theatre. Evelyn Young delivered a standout performance as Kath, showcasing impressive dramatic range as she moved between comedic scenes, emotional moments and strong vocals. Oscar Taylor Coombes added nuance to the role of Mr Pressman, giving a subtle but impactful performance with hints of underlying villainy.

This year’s show was one of Shiplake’s most technically ambitious. The inventive set featured Joe Casey’s red‑fronted house with a balcony, ladder access and cleverly hidden steps that enabled seamless transitions between timelines. A cut‑out car brought charm and humour. Complex choreography, precise lighting cues and confident ensemble work all contributed to a visually dynamic production.

Musically, the show celebrated well‑known Madness favourites like Our House and Baggy Trousers, while also introducing audiences to deeper cuts such as Tomorrow’s Just Another Day and The Sun and the Rain. These added musical richness and allowed the cast to demonstrate their full vocal ability. The enthusiasm of the performers was infectious, and it was clear how much they enjoyed every moment on stage.

Mrs Emma Farell, Head of Drama, reflected on the significance of returning to Our House a decade after first co‑directing it: “At its core, this is a story about choices, right and wrong, consequence and chance and the enduring importance of family and friendship… Students from every corner of the school have come together to tell this story, and I am immensely proud of the generosity, leadership and enthusiasm shown by our senior pupils.”

She also praised the exceptional work of this year’s student technical crew who contributed to everything from lighting design and costumes to props and scene transitions.

The production showcased not only the talent of Shiplake students but also their commitment, teamwork and joy in storytelling. With outstanding performances, ambitious staging and a beloved musical score, Our House proved to be a triumphant addition to Shiplake College’s tradition of memorable whole‑school shows.