The York student production of Yasmina Reza’s play God of Carnage has been one of twelve student productions across the country selected to perform at the National Student Drama Festival in Scarborough later on this month.
The play, which was originally written in French and translated by Christopher Hampton, depicts two sets of parents who have gotten together to discuss a childish fight between their offspring. The meeting quickly turns sour however when a few misjudged comments spark hostilities between the parents, with their actions, which prove equally childish to that of their spawn, eventually causing the evening to descend into chaos.
York’s production of God of Carnage, directed by Rory McGregor, and starring Mungo Tatton-Brown, Helena Clark, Max Fitzroy-Stone and Claire Curtis-Ward as the four parents. Originally ran from the 16th-17th February at the University of York Drama Barn, and opened to extremely positive reviews from Student Media.
The NSDF’s process of selection involves 12 selectors watching hundreds of plays across the country with the power to choose only one production each. Therefore the God of Carnage team has more than a little reason to celebrate their not inconsiderable achievement.
The show will be performed five times between the 23rd-29th March where the cast will follow in the footsteps of fellow NSDF performers such as Midsomer Murders star John Nettles and BBC executive and television presenter Alan Yentob.
One of the stars of the show, Max Fitzroy–Stone, who plays Michael in the play, said of the opportunity, “I’m absolutely ecstatic, it’s a massive privilege. I can only hope that we can do it justice. It’s quite worrying though, because the festival judge is Matthew Kelly, the former stars in their eyes presenter, who is currently playing Michael in god of carnage too!”.
This news will no doubt be considered to be a hugely positive development for Drama at York.