28 July, 2009:  Ten Year 12 students from the Marist Senior School have been presented with the Buxton Trophy  for ‘most promising youth performance’ in the 2009 National Drama Festivals Association (NDFA), British All Winners Festival (BAWF).  The girls performed in the BAWF final on 22 July which took place at the Rhoda McGraw Theatre, Woking. 

The all female cast performed, ‘A Memory of Lizzie’ by David Foxton, which explored the dark story of Lizzie Borden who was tried for the murders of her father and stepmother in America during the 19th century.  Alice Ordish, who played ‘Lizzie’ was also nominated for an individual award for her chilling performance.

Drama Groups which have won Full Length or One Act Member Festivals between 9th June 2008 and 7th June 2009 were eligible for invitation to take part in the BAWF. In early May the girls won 5 awards during the Maidenhead Festival, then followed this success by winning the semi-final round of the All England Theatre Festival and performed to an appreciative audience at the All England Festival final at the beginning of July. It is a rare achievement for a school to see this level of success at the All England Festival which places them amongst the top performing amateur theatre companies in England.

Jane Harris, Head of Drama at the Marist Senior School, said “I am really delighted for the cast as they have worked really hard and pulled together as a team at each and every stage of our journey.  The girls have grown in confidence and learnt more than they could have believed possible.  Each adjudicator gave constructive criticism as well as much praise which will help to inform their development over the next year of their A level.  Their dedication and achievement can only serve to inspire younger pupils to get involved with drama”