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Brighton & Sussex Medical School

Student interviews

In Focus - Hannah-Marie

Hannah-Marie 

Year of Study: Year 4

Hannah Marie profile photo

BSMS students don’t only spend their time in hospital theatres … Sometimes they tread the boards on stage, too! Year 4 medic, Hannah-Marie, tells us all about the annual BSMS Medic Revue and what makes it so special.

Hi everyone! My name is Hannah-Marie and I’m a 4th year medical student at BSMS and this year I am also in the cast of the BSMS Medic Revue! The Medic Revue was one of the reasons I chose BSMS as the sense of community and fun was something I was extremely keen to be a part of, and now I am!

 

What is the Medic Revue?

The Medic Revue is one of the biggest nights in the medical school calendar. It is a musical comedy sketch show that has been written, directed and performed by medical students about the perils of medical school with funny medical anecdotes. It’s been going since 2008! It consists of parodies of popular songs and TV shows as well as original skits. Most medical schools have some form of Medic Revue, however I would say BSMS does it best (I’m not biased whatsoever).

How long does it take to create?

The Medic Revue starts being developed as soon as the previous one is done! There are a lot of logistics involved in booking venues for the show and to rehearse in, as well as the writing of the script. Then casting starts in the new year when auditions are held, and then shortly after the rehearsals commence. Currently we rehearse twice a week in the evenings for 2.5 hours, and at the weekend for 4.5 hours (but this will increase closer to show time). It also requires time outside of rehearsals to learn your lines and the choreography.

Outside of performing in the cast, there are also lots of other roles involved in bringing the Revue to life! There is a live band on the night also formed of medical students, so if you play an instrument it’s a great way to get involved and meet likeminded people. There are also stage managers and lots of people who help behind the scenes and with the technology, including lighting.

 

That sounds like a lot… 

It is, but it is soooo worth it. As cheesy as it sounds, Revue is a family and rehearsals just feel like hanging out with your friends and doing what you love. We have socials every couple of weeks to get to know each other better and to let off some steam. These include games nights, karaoke, clubbing and movie nights. It is a big-time commitment so I don’t do any other extracurriculars alongside it, so that I can balance medicine and have some down time too, but it gives a lot of structure in my life and helps me to stay motivated. 

Who can be part of it?

Any medical student at BSMS can be a part of the Medic Revue! We just look for passion and commitment to the cause. Auditions are held for the cast, so being able to hold a note, remember some choreography and read a script are all skills we look for; but if you have the passion, we can always work on the other things during rehearsals. Band auditions are also held but these are quite chilled and again is just looking to make sure you can play an instrument.