Bale Shows Critics Just How It’s Done

Many have criticised Gareth Bale for being transferred to Real Madrid (with a record breaking transfer of €100 million) and then playing a disappointing match against Barcelona. However on the 30^th of October when Real played Sevilla, Bale scored two goals adding to the final score of Real’s win of 7-3.

Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti was delighted with the £85 million player’s performance telling the BBC "Everyone saw the real Gareth. He showed fantastic skills." Not only did Gareth score two goals, but he also played for a full 90 minutes. He was unable to in other games due to foot and thigh injuries have prevented him playing a full game.

Bale’s performance last weekend was disappointing and therefore Bale suffered lots and lots of criticism from Madrid’s press and other places all over the world, with fans feeling as though their club had made the wrong decision. Therefore it was very important that this game showed perfect performance from Bale and that is just what he did.

Real Madrid fan Taylor said “In the game against Barcelona last weekend I was expecting Bale to play a good game. However this didn’t happen and I felt as though Bale was a waste of money, but I knew that my club wouldn’t do that. So I knew that Bale would play a really good game on Wednesday and perform and impress me and that’s exactly what he did and I feel hope again.  I know we have a chance of beating Barcelona in the Primera Division as we are only 6 points behind.”

Bale's goals, a 15-yard strike and deflected free-kick, came in the first 27 minutes, and he also helped to set up other goals. Ronaldo scored a hat-trick while Benzema grabbed Real's other two goals.

The former Tottenham player now promises that his best is yet to come after scoring his first goals for his new club at the Bernabeu.

In quotes reported on realmadrid.com, Bale said: 
"I felt good and I completed the whole game.”
"I have to keep improving and working hard to be one hundred per cent as soon as possible.”
"It was a great night and important to my fitness.”
"We played very well and hopefully we will have more games like this in the future.”
"Now I continue to improve and work hard and as soon as possible try to be one hundred per cent."

It was by some way his best performance for the team who are now six points behind the leaders, Barcelona.

Bale added: "It was a great game and a great atmosphere. We played very well and we got a lot of goals but the important thing is to have got the three points and we have scored many goals which is very positive for us.” 
"The downside has been that we have received several goals, but we were good, it gives us confidence.”
"We have a lot of confidence and hopefully we can keep winning and producing performances like tonight."

Real Madrid are now six points behind leaders Barcelona after the win and two from second-placed Atletico Madrid.

Nesta Baxter, year 9

Matilda the Musical: Review

Based on Roald Dahl’s stunning children’s novel ‘Matilda’, Dennis Kelly (with the aid of Tim Minchin, the composer), has produced a striking and spectacular rendition that has previously sold out in Stratford – Upon – Avon and was the winner of numerous Olivier Awards in 2012. Incorporating a mixture of spine – tingling songs, such as ‘This Little Girl’ and songs that will have you singing all the way home, for instance ‘Naughty’, this musical depicts a life of child rebellion, rousing imagination and a girl with a will to change her destiny.

The musical portrays the story of a child (named Matilda), whose talents are dolefully neglected by her ball – dancing obsessed mother (portrayed by Kay Murphy) and her fraudulent car salesman father (James Clyde), who insists that books are unscrupulous to society. You may think that is all of Matilda’s troubles and she can surely resolve that, but you are mistaken. At school even the Headmistress, Miss Trunchball, a woman whose mission is to imprison all children in the infamous ‘Chokey’ despises Matilda’s aptitude to surpass her classmates. It appears only Miss Honey (Haley Flaherty), the reticent and timid teacher of Matilda, and coincidental niece of Miss Trunchball (Alex Gaumond) is the beacon of hope.  When Matilda is revealed to have talents above academic brilliance, it begs the question: can Matilda escape the world of unappreciative parents and teachers?

Unique to any other show playing in the West End and Broadway, this musical (some may say audaciously) relies on the infinite talents and enthusiasm of the children, who are able to deliver the brilliant and hilarious wordplay of Dennis Kelly. What I found most striking (in addition to the wonderful talents of the children), was the scenery. As soon as you walk into the theatre you are greeted with an alphabetical themed set that surrounds the seats. With library shelves that scale the entire stage and swings that glide over the audience in the stalls, you are guaranteed to be encapsulated simply by the set.

So, whether you are 9 or 109, you will be singing ‘Matilda’, it will have you chortling at the comic lines written by Kelly that are delivered with much conviction and expose by performers who are destined to have a fruitful career in the Performing Arts industry. If you haven’t already, I urge you to see it. Don’t be afraid to let the child rebel within you escape!  

Jenny Brown, year 12

Macbeth Performance at the Globe Theatre: Review

“Is that a dagger I see before me?” - The famous words uttered by Macbeth as he debates whether he should or should not follow through with his and Lady Macbeth’s plan to kill the King.

The play follows the story of Macbeth (Joseph Millson) after he is informed by three witches that his fate is to occupy the Crown of Scotland. Thus, he and his wife (Lady Macbeth, portrayed by Samantha Spiro) murder King Duncan, their obstacle to the throne of Scotland. Nevertheless, Macbeth must maintain his position by continuing to kill – initially Banquo, Macbeth’s former comrade – in – arms, and then anyone who is considered a menace to his crown as his paranoia is enhanced.

Along with enthralling monologues that stimulated the mind and left the Globe in silence, Eve Best, the director, audaciously incorporated an element of comedy and irony that juxtaposed with the tragic nature of the play. The performance was not without its music either, featuring pipe – and – drum music to mark the beginning of the performance, and ends with one of the witches playing a Scottish lament on the fiddle.

Employing authentic and quintessentially Renaissance costumes and staging, the Telegraph stated “Eve Best’s directorial debut is a cracking – at times, terrifying – production of Macbeth”. For anyone who watches this, it promises to be an illuminating and unique interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s most famous works.

Jenny Brown, year 12