Years Three, Four and Five have weekly drama lessons while drama club provides an opportunity for Years Six to Eight to participate and refine their thespian skills. Recently we have focused on the experiences of Odysseus and Shakespeare’s soliloquies; the children hark back to the origins of the theatre in Classics working through notable tragedies, comedies and pantomime, while recognising and emulating the qualities of our famous bard.
 

The Drama department works closely with the English department, especially in encouraging and highlighting aspects of creative-writing or play scenarios. Although there are specific, structured plays where the children are expected to perform to a certain type, there is also the opportunity for the children to act out their own play-scripts or recite favoured pieces. Tempo and intonation are important aspects of recitation whilst reading to an audience and these are skills we work on. Acting allows the children to improve their diction and elocution and presents an opportunity for voice projection with accent/dialogue changes.
 

Mime presents a chance for children who lack confidence in their ability to express themselves - to shine without speaking; when masks are introduced, an interesting array of personalities comes to the fore.
 

Past school productions have included Bugsy Malone, Guys and Dolls, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Elves and the Shoemaker as well as a variety of other musicals. In 2009, Year Eight entertained us with the musical Annie. The Junior production of A Christmas Carol elicited a host of acrobatic dancers, serene soloists and a rare opportunity to see a band, made up entirely of pupils, in all its glory. We always do our best to encourage children’s talents, whatever they might be and through drama give them a chance to shine.