When the Drama department went to London

REPORT BY MISS HOWELL, LEAD TEACHER OF DRAMA

Just before the Easter holidays a group of 43 students went on a fun- packed performing arts trip, with a bit of history thrown in. 

Day 1 

It was an early start to the day but it didn’t stop the pupils from becoming DJs on the bus. After a comfort stop and many genres of music, we soon arrived in London.

A little bit of shopping was first on the agenda, followed by Bella Italia for a bite to eat before heading to the Sondheim Theatre to watch Les Miserables.  This completely sung-through musical takes on the French Revolution with, of course, a love story thrown in. This was a powerful musical and the lighting and set design were magical, even though the storyline itself confused a few, including  French Teacher and Lead Teacher of Music, Mr Taylor!

Day 2 

A bit of a lie in this morning, which everyone loved, enhanced by a hearty full English breakfast to get everyone fuelled for the day ahead. We then set out to board the coach bound for a tour of the Royal Albert Hall. WOW! What an experience, the pupils found this so informative and all wanted to return to actually watch something there….. Next trip pending! 

Next up was the Natural History Museum where amongst the many fossils and weird and wonderful creatures, there was something for everyone …even Miss Howell! 

A drive around London was enjoyed in the afternoon, past Big Ben, Westminster and Buckingham Palace, while our resident DJ Lochlan played the National Anthem. Not to be left out, Mrs Webster accompanied this with her Harry Potter fun facts. 

Our final stop of the day was to the Gillian Lynne Theatre to see a new British musical 'Standing At the Sky's Edge'. This was a hit with everyone and an amazing piece of directing.

Day 3

After two fun packed days we had to muster up the energy for a West End Workshop at Danceworks. This was run by a cast member from Les Miserables. It was an incredible experience for the pupils; to actually be taught by someone who works in the West End! Pupils learnt how to create a character through singing and movement. Some pupils looked so at home in this environment and I think we could be seeing some of them on the West End stage in the future. 

I want to say a big thank you to the staff who gave up their time to help with the trip; you all made the trip to run so smoothly. 

Thank you to all the pupils for being you. You made the three days fun and enjoyable. What a pleasure to take you all. 

Watch out for details of the next Performing Arts residential trip!