By Mr Stratton (Director of Drama and Dance)

A group of nine Year 10 students recently had the fantastic opportunity to perform at the Place Theatre as part of the ACT!'24 festival on Monday evening. This event, which brought together young talent from across the town, saw our students collaborate on a powerful and thought-provoking performance.

Drawing inspiration from the theme of rogues and vagabonds and the infamous story of Bonnie and Clyde, our students devised their own performance that explored the connections between The Great Depression and the contemporary economic struggles of 2024. Using the techniques of Epic Theatre, the piece aimed to provoke thought and reflection, highlighting the enduring relevance of historical struggles in the modern world.

A highlight of the process was a workshop led by professional theatre practitioner, Hannah Conway. Through her expert guidance, the students honed their skills and developed a deeper understanding of the techniques they applied to their performance. The final production reflected the students’ commitment throughout rehearsals and was warmly received by the audience.

The students performed alongside two other schools, BMS and Lincroft Academy, each offering their own interpretations, contributing to a varied and engaging evening. It was an opportunity to showcase creativity and the impact of theatre in engaging audiences. We are proud of our students’ efforts and the dedication they demonstrated throughout this valuable experience.