A Street Car Named Desire - Year 12 English & Drama

On 10th July, a group of Year 12 English Literature and Drama students travelled to the Woodville Halls in Gravesend to attend a screening of the National Theatre Live 2014 performance of ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’.

It was an extremely eye-opening experience, with the modern take on the setting of the play, complimenting the core plot very well. The stand out performances from Gillian experienced by all characters, especially with the modern interpretation of the play. Stanley was presented as a more emotionally vulnerable character, really adding to the depth and development of not only Ben Foster’s character, but also emphasised the progression and qualities of the different characters around him. Overall, an excellent performance that enriched and deepened the understanding of the play for those who attended; five stars! Henry Taylor 12JN

Watching A Streetcar Named Desire at the Woodville’s felt like being dropped straight in the middle of the world’s biggest family argument, one where slamming doors and emotional breakdowns are just part of daily life. Gillian Anderson (as Blanche Dubois) ‘relied on the kindness of strangers’… mostly to carry her emotional baggage, which, unfortunately, didn’t fit in overhead compartments. Meanwhile Ben Foster (as Stanley Kowalski) gave it a good shot, but let’s be honest - once you’ve seen Marlon Brando do Stanley, it’s game over for everyone else. Great show, great evening. Riley Davies 12AD