Forest Students Shine at Edinburgh Fringe with “Silt Song”
Forest students have returned triumphant from their debut performance at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Their production, “Silt Song,” staged at Greenside @ Riddles Court, Thistle Theatre, was a resounding success, earning rave reviews and profoundly impacting the student cast. The experience not only showcased their exceptional talent but also fostered personal growth and confidence, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.
A Collaborative Triumph
“Silt Song” is a testament to the talent and dedication of Forest School pupils. This spoken word and musical performance, written and directed by Forest alumna Eva Cotton, captivated audiences with its poignant storytelling and polished performances. The show featured music played by two cast members and showcased the students’ multifaceted talents.
Critical Acclaim
Theatre Weekly praised the production, highlighting the simple yet effective staging, beautifully designed costumes, and the chemistry between the actors. The review noted:
“All of the actors and musicians in Silt Song are accomplished, and their performances polished. It was sometimes hard to remember just how young these actors are. There was no weak link in the team—no matter how big or small a part they had to play or how many lines to remember, each member of the cast contributed equally.”
Director’s Vision
Samantha Moon, Director of Drama at Forest School, expressed her pride in the students’ achievements: “As the Director of Drama, my goal was to provide Forest students with an unparalleled opportunity: the chance to immerse themselves in the exhilarating world of live theatre at one of the most prestigious arts festivals in the world. The dedication and talent of everyone involved in this project far surpassed my expectations, and the invaluable skills they have all acquired will undoubtedly resonate with them throughout their lives.”
Student Reflections
The students themselves shared their transformative experiences. Lorenza Maxwell reflected, “Taking part at Edinburgh Fringe with Forest was a once in a lifetime experience which I am so lucky to have been a part of. I have made lifelong friendships with a range of different ages, and not only did I get to experience being a part of a cast, but I also learnt multiple life skills from this experience. For example, through flyering in the streets of Edinburgh to promote the piece, I have increased my confidence in talking to new people. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to experience the Fringe, and I hope I can go back to watch more of the amazing pieces there in the future.”
Eva Cotton, the young director, expressed her gratitude: “Taking Silt Song to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has been the most rewarding experience of my life and has set me on a journey that I hope will lead to directing theatre professionally.”
Annabel Sticher, another cast member, added, “Performing at the Fringe gave me the opportunity to work in a professional environment, giving me useful skills for the future, and has helped me make friends for life.”
Further success for Forest Drama
The achievements of Silt Song have been swiftly followed by more success for the drama department at Forest School. One of our graduating Year 13 students, Phoebe Lyons, has been accepted into the highly competitive Stage and Screen course at LAMDA.
A Bright Future
The success of “Silt Song” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival marks a significant milestone for Forest School’s drama program. The students’ dedication, talent, and hard work have not only brought them acclaim but also invaluable life skills and memories that will last a lifetime.