The depth of acting and directing talent at GHS was amply demonstrated with the double bill Senior Play at the beginning of December. Ted Hughes's Tales from Ovid, adapted by Tim Supple and Simon Reade, showed clearly why Ovid, the epic poet, was also a controversial writer of his time. This series of tales from 'Metamorphoses' offered six very accomplished actors the chance to create chilling atmospheres and contrasting moods. The spare staging underlined their flexible, frequently menacing movement, effortless interchanging of roles, brilliant synchronisation and complete understanding of the power of moments of utter stillness. They made smooth transitions from myth to myth aided by the evocative sound and lighting effects.

After a necessary recovery period during the interval, the audience was treated to a completely contrasting and hugely funny version of Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward.

It is always a challenge to stage a much-loved and well-known comedy but the directors, cast and the crew certainly rose to it. The clipped accents set the play in period as did the detailed set. The quarrels were utterly credible and the delivery of Coward's brilliant lines was as slick and polished as one could wish. Charles pontificated and mixed martinis with great aplomb which only emphasised his later inability to control both his wives. Lizzie's stunning costumes enhanced the sense of a very organised, buttoned-up character in no way equipped to deal with the arrival of the mischievous, manipulative Elvira. The final scene in which the now invisible and angry ghosts fling vases and move pictures was brilliantly devised and very scary and brought to an end an evening of really memorable theatrical entertainment.