Wizard of Gauze
Written By Megan Kwok, Rujuta Kulkarni, Apiraami Manivannan
While most RUMS societies understandably prioritise and uplift their seniors and finalists, one society makes it a point to thrust their freshers into the spotlight: the MDs. Possibly known as the most cult-like RUMS society, second only to RUMS Boat Club, the MDs are loud, chaotic, theatrical and, for some reason I still cannot fully explain, they let me join them this year.
The MDs Comedy Revue has been making medics laugh since 1898, when a few medical students decided to bring joy and cheer to Middlesex Hospital on a cold winter night. We’re separated into three groups: Cast (perpetual theatre kids), Tech (the unseen and unknown backstage savants of the show), led by Lakshmi Linkeshwaran, and Band (also known as the Ectopic Beats) - the most talented, musical and, frankly, crazy group of people - supplying the heartbeat *ba dum tss* of the show, led by Hannah Whiteson and Annabelle Wilkinson.
As a Cast fresher (i.e. being in the first year of the MDs - it doesn’t matter if you’re an actual fresher or a fifth-year that has just joined - you’re still a fresher!), the most exciting thing is the annual MDs Christmas Show, which consists of a Sketch Half, in which members perform various medical-themed sketches, as well as a Show Half, which is a full theatrical parody of some well-known story.
This year’s sketches included a Jet-2 Holiday parody promoting a tracheostomy procedure called “Darling Cut That Gland” and a faux Billie Eilish Vanity Fair interview surveying the same doctor over seven years of their life (Year 1 of UCLMS to FY1) as their mental state and wellness declines (which I helped write!!!). Our Show was a parody of Wizard of Oz and Wicked, aptly named The Wizard of Gauze, where the freshers got to relive our high school drama glory days and be the main characters (finally!).
Though I’m under strict non-disclosure policies regarding various MDs traditions, I can say that they involve aggressive chanting, too many meal deals and activities that cannot legally be described outside rehearsal rooms. The cult-like reputation is not unfounded. I’ve truly had so much fun with this group. From the very first script run-through, where I was welcomed with uproar and open arms, through our humiliating Thursday night circles, to the final, intense rehearsals where we bonded over med school and perfected our dances, it’s been an unforgettable journey.
But of course, we cannot neglect the absolute hilarity and chaos that is the three actual show nights. Having not been on stage for four years (my last time was during sixth form), I was incredibly nervous. But performing was just as spectacular as I imagined. It was absolutely thrilling to sing, dance and act again - especially as the audience (which included alumni of the MDs who were up to consultant level - crazy!) were all cheering and shouting with every scene. Since the show, every single one of my friends have had “Popular” stuck in their heads (rightfully so), but they have also been on the receiving end of my post-show-blues ranting of how much I miss the MDs.
But that’s not all - the MDs do two other “shows” every year, including United Hospitals, where we compete in a sketch show against the other London universities (let’s bring it back this year!!), as well as a run at Edinburgh Fringe, which you all should 100% come and see.
I can genuinely, wholeheartedly say that joining the MDs has been one of my greatest decisions since joining UCLMS, and I cannot wait to put on more shows and continue supporting this wonderful family. The biggest thanks have to go to my fellow Cast freshers (Shreya, Josh, Joanna and Angelina) who became my second family during Show Week; our President, Lena McCulloch, who was so encouraging and kind, even while screaming at us to be more organised, and who put her own reputation and room booking quotas on the line for us; our Treasurer, Archie Jaques, who made sure our show was profitable; Nikhil Shah, Lena (again), Priyanka Narayan, and Lara Arif, the wonderful writers of the show and, of course, the Cast Directors, Dan Wainewright and Nikita Sood, who welcomed the entire fresher group with open arms and an open flat!
If you did drama in high school and miss it, are a talented musician who wants to join an even more talented band, or if you’re just the funny friend hoping to contribute to a wonderful society that has brought so much laughter to so many people, I hope to see you in the MDs next year!
Wizard of Gauze - What the Medics are Saying
Following an amazing three-night run (with rumours saying that Saturday’s show is the one not to miss), Wizard of Gauze has got roaring reviews. From the parody musical numbers, witty medical sketches, and mind-blowing dance choreographies, the show had the audience captivated.
“Fabulously funny skit and amazing choreography! I was fully immersed.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Favourite Sketches: Vanity Fair, Dr Sweeney has Great Scrubs and Cynthia and Ariana interview
Favourite Songs: Popular and the “Touch” by Katseye parody
Highlight: Honestly? The whole thing.
“Funny, entertaining and genuinely impressive. Loved seeing friends behind the scenes and in the spotlight.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Favourite Sketch: Interpretative Dance, Dr Sweeney, Hampstead Heath Shenanigans
Favourite Songs: The Ozpital Gang
“Absolutely hilarious. My rectus abdominis is now hypertrophied.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Favourite Sketches: Interpretative Dance, Dr Sweeney, Hamstead Heath ShenanigansFavourite Songs: Popular & Hamilton song renditions!
Highlight: Ozpital annual leave sketch with the Wizard of Gauze - wholesome chaos throughout.
“Gorgeous. Amazing. Incredible.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐Favourite Sketch: Real Housewives at the reception.
Favourite Songs: Dancing Through LifeHighlight: The fight scene in the second half of the show.
“Very well-rehearsed with strong actors and gorgeous music.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐Favourite Sketches: The GP’s Real Housewives sketch, Dr Sweeney and the endlessly innuendo-loving Ortho surgeon.
Favourite Songs: Dancing Through Life
“Amazing show…the sketches were hilarious - and the acting? Too good. ”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Favourite Sketch: Vanity Fair
Favourite Songs: Clot Busters!
Highlight: The interview scene in the play.
“Really funny and the highlight of my week! Ectopic Beats also stole the show.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐Favourite Sketch: Ariana & Cynthia’s interview
Favourite Songs: Popular & the Hamilton songs renditions!
Highlight: Tin Man’s “Dancing Through Life” - spectacular, iconic choreography.
Read the rest of the edition here
