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Audiences of this year's St Michael's School Play, My Family and Other Animals, were transported to the beautiful island of Corfu as talented pupils in Years 5 to 8 gave a heart warming and humorous portrayal of the famous Durrell family's time in Greece.

Taking viewers on a voyage of friendship, belonging and discovery, St Michael’s poignant rendition of My Family and Other Animals was the perfect reminder that not all adventures go to plan and that sometimes, life’s spontaneous moments are the best memories.

Playing the roles of the Durrell siblings were Year 8 pupils Theo S (Larry), Oliver S (Leslie) and Maggie B (Margo) together with Leo H (Gerry), Year 6. Guided by their older brother Larry’s yearnings for change and sunshine, the children travel to Corfu in search of paradise with their endearing mother, played by Year 8 pupil, Belinda B. It is here that the Durrell’s dreams of a peaceful fresh start fade into the backdrop of their chaotic home bursting with animals.

Commenting on her role in the production, Belinda B said: “There were so many fun moments in My Family and Other Animals which we loved performing. A definite highlight for me was the scorpion scene where the Durrell family, and their many guests, chased a scorpion around the kitchen in their attempt to catch it. It was absolute madness but so effective on stage!”

Year 8 pupil Mikayla M, who played the role of Lugaretzia, the strong-willed owner of the Durrell’s Greek villa, added: “This particular scene, which lasted about 3 minutes, took hours to rehearse as every line delivered, puppet movement and sound effect was essential to the comedy.”

With animals at the heart of the Durrell family’s escapades, it was important to St Michael’s Head of Drama, Mr Powell, that puppets were featured in the play. Transforming his vision into a reality were creative masterminds Ms Gilbrook and Mrs Caswall from St Michael’s Art and Design Technology Department who collaborated with a pupil puppet building team to add every tail, feather, beak and beady eye to their impressive creations. The puppets, paired with Ms Rodwell (Head of Art, Craft and Design) and Ms Gilbrook’s outstanding set immersed audience members completely. Old Michaelian and former St Michael’s Head of Drama, Peter Nixon said: “I had never thought such a book, full of animals and creatures of all types and sizes, could be put on stage, but the puppetry was clever and full of character and eccentricity.”

Echoing this praise and explaining the rational behind his production choice, Mr Powell, Director, added: "My Family and Other Animals was a fantastic opportunity to bring one of my favourite classical stories to life. Thank you to all involved: I am so proud of the cast and crew."

Bringing dogs, donkeys, magpies, insects and reptiles to life were a talented team of pupils who embodied the growls, squawks and scutters of every animal in the story. Year 8 pupil Oliver N, who played the Durrell’s beloved dog Roger, said: “Using a puppet was challenging at first, but I got used to it as rehearsals progressed. As I didn’t have any lines to learn, it was important that I memorised cues and bounced off other performers’ acting to make Roger convincing. I have grown up with dogs at home so most of my research and actions were inspired by my own dog, Monty.” And as well as playing the role of Roger, Oliver stepped in at the last minute to cover a magpie puppet for two performances, juggling Roger’s barks and growls with the magpie’s pecks and squawks. Oliver added: “I nearly lost my voice by the end of the production but it was so worth it!”

At the heart of the play’s storyline was youngest sibling Gerry’s boundless spirit for life and fascination with animals which contributes to the Durrell’s ever-growing household. Leo H, who gave a delightful performance as the young naturalist, said: “Being involved in My Family and Other Animals was amazing – it was my first time performing in a St Michael’s school play, but the older children were so reassuring and made me feel confident when learning and performing my role.”

And it wasn’t just the performers who contributed to the action on stage, as a dedicated production team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to master every set change, prop placement and costume transition. Year 7 pupil Lev V, Assistant Stage Manager, who received a roaring applause during the curtain call, said: “My role behind stage required me to be quick and focused. Having attended every rehearsal in the lead up to the performances, I knew the production very well and felt so proud when it all went to plan. The audience reaction was incredible.”

Championing the success of the production, St Michael’s Head Mr Pears said: “Congratulations to the cast and crew of My Family and Other Animals on an outstanding production. The hard work that went into this show shone through and I am blown away by your achievements.”

Adding to this praise, Councillor Emily Bulford of Sevenoaks District Council added: “Well done to all involved in the production. I can’t believe how many lines the pupils learnt: the production was seamless, very professional and most importantly, the performers looked like they were having a blast!”

We are so proud of the cast and crew and congratulate them on an extraordinary production.

Additionally, the St Michael's community is delighted to have raised £734.55 for the Corfu Donkey Rescue Sanctuary through its Charity Pyjama Day in February 2025 and collections on the show nights of My Family and Other Animals. Thank you to contributors for their kind donations. 

An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books. By Gerald Durrell Adapted by Janys Chambers.