Stepping out of the Classroom with the Drama Department

The Drama Department has certainly been busy over the last few weeks.  

18 lucky pupils from across First to Third Year, got to see Paddington, London’s most hotly anticipated and sold-out show. From the opening bars of Mr Gruber’s Curiosities, we knew we were in for a treat. We all sat on the edge of our seats as the cast filled the stage, a train whistle sounded and out of the crowd appeared Paddington the bear! In the flesh! Despite seeing his voice actor with him on stage, and seeing the body performer during the bows, no one can tell me that wasn’t the real Paddington making his West End Debut. I’m not ashamed to admit that this particular drama teacher was a weeping nostalgic mess by the end of the evening. From dancing oranges to a pigeon fluent in cockney rhyming slang, the production felt like a real love letter to London and its eclectic mix of people, as well as a testament to how far a little kindness can go. If you can get tickets to see it… do!  

A group of Drama scholars also went to visit the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama to get a better understanding of what drama school training is all about. It was fascinating to be shown around by a current student and, as one scholar put it, ‘demystify’ the Drama School experience. As well as seeing the performance and workshop spaces, we were toured around the costume, scenography and tech departments. Seeing signed posters of all the Third Year shows backstage also exemplified Central’s incredible alumni, and I’m sure several left the building wondering if their name would one day adorn the walls.  

In the evening, we then got to see the beautiful and heartbreaking ‘Guess How Much I Love You’ at the Royal Court. Going into it, we knew to expect a difficult and complex piece of theatre, but we were all blown away by the quality of the writing and acting which worked harmoniously to explore the traumatic story of a couple’s pregnancy. Discussions after the show exemplified our scholars’ thoughtful and analytical approach to theatre, as well as solidifying the emotional impact and power that a good piece of drama can have.   

As we look forward to the half term break, we also prepare ourselves for another busy period when we return; we have our first ever scratch night of new writing by the Sixth Form, our GCSE & A-Level students will perform their final scripted pieces and our junior actors will take to the stage in Emil & The Detectives. 

Lots to look forward to and we can’t wait!  

Ms Gabi Guttner