130 HABERDASHERS’ Monmouth School’s pupils recently participated in a production All the King’s Men.

The production captured the spirit reimagining the tale of Humpty Dumpty through the lens of the Civil War and the stand-off at the Siege of Gloucester.

The show was performed by year three to year 6. Every child had their moment two casts across the performances ensured that both Year six classes took centre stage, each bringing their own colour and character to the story.

“It’s a wonderfully demanding piece, and the children approached it with a real focus and commitment. Seeing pupils from Year three through to Year six perform together at this level has been a real highlight.”

The narrative draws on one of its more intriguing historical theories: that “Humpty Dumpty” may represent a failed siege-engine used by Royalist forces attempting to breach the defences of Gloucester in 1643.

The moment when ingenuity collapses, quite literally, in the face of resistance, gave the children a rich emotional terrain to explore, with music that was as demanding as it was expressive.

The production was brought to life after pupils designed and made their own helmets, drawing on historical styles of the period, adding both authenticity and a strong sense of ownership.

To immerse the audience into the show it was performed ‘in the round’ which enabled the audience to placed into action. This heightened the sense of tension between Gloucester’s citizens and the King’s forces, and drawing everyone in the unfolding drama.

At the centre of it all stood an extraordinary set a reconstruction of Gloucester’s defensive wall, complete with a balcony from which the citizens could sing. It was designed and built by parent Stafford Bell.

A live orchestra was made up of 13 senior school pupils, whose playing brought depth, energy and a richly resonant sound that elevated every moment on stage.