Garhwal Post Bureau
MUSSOORIE, 1 Aug: St. George’s College here witnessed two days of exceptional theatrical brilliance as the Annual Inter–House Dramatics Competition 2026 was held on Friday and Saturday. The event celebrated the literary, artistic, and dramatic talents of the students, who enthralled the audience with outstanding performances, compelling storytelling, and remarkable stagecraft.
The first day of the competition featured captivating performances by Tapsell’s House and Gateley’s House.
Tapsell’s House presented the lively musical comedy “Sister Act,” narrating the story of a spirited lounge singer who seeks refuge in a convent after witnessing a crime. The engaging production featured Shubhasish Gupta as Deloris Van Cartier, Aarav Basant as Mother Superior, Ujjwal Pujari as Curtis Jackson, Hridhwik Anand as Eddie Souther, and Rehaan Saluja as Sister Mary Patrick. Their energetic performances, impeccable comic timing, and vibrant stage presence received widespread appreciation from both the judges and the audience.
Gateley’s House followed with “The Mouse That Roared,” adapted from Leonard Wibberley’s celebrated satirical novel and the classic 1959 comedy film. The witty political satire featured Kiaan Gaba as Queen Gloriana XII, Prabhav Malik as Tully Bascom, Avya Kathuria as Count Mountjoy, Krishna Bhatt as David Benter, and Parth Mall as Helen Kokintz. Their polished acting, confident dialogue delivery, and imaginative presentation earned widespread acclaim.
The second day’s performances showcased equally remarkable productions by Marthins’ House and Cullen’s House.
Marthins’ House staged Christopher Marlowe’s timeless Renaissance tragedy “The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus,” portraying the story of a brilliant scholar who trades his soul for worldly power, only to face eternal damnation. The powerful cast included Sanath Joshi as Doctor Faustus, Achintya Srivastava as Mephistophilis, Ansh Varshney as Valdes, Vihaan Shorewala as Cornelius, and Mohd. Sufiyan in a supporting role. The production was applauded for its commanding performances, dramatic intensity, and artistic interpretation of this literary masterpiece.
Cullen’s House presented the delightful comedy “Nuns on the Run,” which revolved around the amusing adventures of two unlikely fugitives disguised as nuns. The cast featured Krishnam Grover as Case, Yuvraj Chabbara as Charlie McManus, Abhinav Rastogi as Brian Hope, and Aarav Puri as Mother Superior. Their lively performances, comic brilliance, and seamless teamwork kept the audience thoroughly entertained.
The performances were adjudged by a distinguished panel of judges comprising Veena Kalia, Manju Sharma, Seema Sidhwani, and Maanas Lal, all eminent personalities with extensive experience in literature, theatre, and education. The participants were evaluated on various parameters, including clarity of speech, expression, gestures, stage coverage, lighting, music, costumes, stage effects, and overall presentation, making the competition a comprehensive showcase of dramatic excellence.
Tapsell’s House emerging as the Champions of the Annual Inter–House Dramatics Competition 2026, while Marthins’ House secured the Runners-Up Trophy. Among the individual honours, Shubhasish Gupta of Tapsell’s House was adjudged Best Actor, Sanath Joshi of Marthins’ House received the second Best Actor award, and Krishnam Grover of Cullen’s House was declared third Best Actor.
The closing ceremony was graced by Speaker, State Legislative Assembly, Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, as Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Ritu Khanduri appreciated the young performers for their remarkable talent, confidence, and dedication. She lauded the efforts of the students, teachers, and organisers in preserving the rich tradition of theatre and the performing arts in schools. Encouraging the students to continue nurturing their creativity, confidence, and communication skills through such meaningful co-curricular activities, she emphasised that theatre plays a vital role in developing leadership qualities, teamwork, and character. She also underscored the importance of values in building a strong and compassionate society, urging the students to uphold integrity, respect, discipline, and empathy in every aspect of their lives, as these timeless values form the foundation of responsible citizenship and meaningful leadership.
The ceremony also witnessed the presentation of mementoes of appreciation to the esteemed panel of judges in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the success of the competition. The winners received thunderous applause as the two-day celebration of drama, literature, and artistic excellence concluded on a memorable note, once again reaffirming St. George’s College, Mussoorie’s enduring commitment to nurturing creativity, confidence, leadership, and holistic development through the performing arts.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Brother Jeyaseelan S. expressed his appreciation to the judges for their valuable time and insightful evaluation. He commended the students and teachers for their outstanding commitment and creativity, observing that the success of such events is a true reflection of tireless teamwork, unwavering dedication, spirited enthusiasm, and relentless endeavour.
