DRA Ball Review: Under The Big Top

Who would have thought I’d encounter Hugh Jackman on a random Saturday night in St Andrews? DRA Ball was about to make this theatre kid’s childhood dream come true.

Despite being a new recruit to The Saint’s Events team, I have already borne witness to the sheer number of events on offer. This week was certainly a busy one, featuring a number of fashion shows, RAG Week, and an altogether jovial spirit in the air, with the sun’s presence finally gracing us. Yet, I was most eager to cover DRA Ball — which I had heard was one of the best events of the year.

DRA has been known to deliver ambitious and alternative balls —  and this year was no exception, with an extravagant ‘Grand Circus’ theme. In accordance with this, Sallies Quad had been totally transformed with dazzling lights projecting a circus motif on the exterior of School 6 – a grand circus indeed. The marquee where the ball itself was held on Lower College Lawn featured candy and popcorn stalls, hula hoops suspended in the air, and perhaps most impressively, a scarily accurate Hugh Jackman impersonator performing songs from The Greatest Showman. The accompanying troupe included West End performers, fully immersing the attendees in a topsy-turvy theatrical spectacle. 

For many attendees, the first priority after a hefty pregame was food, which DRA Ball promised was included in the ticket price. This ranged from Troff fries to hot doughnuts and Blackhorn burgers. Unfortunately, despite the abundance of food, options were limited for those with dietary requirements. With few alternative bites available, many were left scrounging for candy and popcorn at the stands lining the main space. Nevertheless, the food left most stomachs satisfied, with a particular highlight being the raspberry sorbet from Jannetta’s, which never disappoints.

Inside the tent, the music was electric, from the moment student bands like Since Juniper and Leland went on, to the closing set of DJ Awande, who many would recognise from Throwbacks.  Headliner Living For The Weekend played the sort of cheesy 90s songs my dad loves, as well as many British classics that I – regrettably – didn’t know. Even though I wouldn’t choose to listen to my parents' music on my own, the crowd’s dancing and singing brought it to life. The dance floor was full to the brim with chaotic energy, including some horrible PDA which I have chosen to forget. However, I do think that the excitement of the attendees amplified the circus vibe.

When the buzz of the ball died down, I was just as ready for bed as if I were the one flying on the trapeze or breathing fire. As I exited the quad, academic sins were occurring left right and smack in the centre of the PH, as inebriated guests, scrambling to leave, forgot the unspoken rule not to grace its cursed letters. While my feet were sore enough struggling over the North Street cobblestones to Sallies, others, including DRA residents themselves, had it much worse. This includes Fiona McAllister, an exchange student from Canada in attendance. “The one reward for putting up with living in the furthest and one of the most expensive residences is supposed to be DRA Ball,” she said. “Instead, the event still catered to those living in town, since the promised buses home were infrequent and not adequate for the almost 1,000 residents of DRA. Many of us were left to pay taxis or stumble home. Hopefully, better transport could be considered in the future.”

Aside from the transport tribulations, much of the ball went off without a hitch, and attendees I talked to during and after the ball couldn’t speak more highly of it – controversially, including members of other Hall Ball subcommittees. “It’s not often I get to hear The Greatest Showman soundtrack out in the open, but when I do, it definitely is a treat,” said St Salvator’s resident Sophia Alverdi. “There was never a moment I was bored; there was always something to entertain me.” 

DRA hit the mark with the fun theme, excellent bands and delicious food – those doughnuts! Leaving Lower College Lawn, I wasn’t leaving your average hall ball: I was leaving the Big Top – having just witnessed the Greatest Show.

Photo: Alex Barnard