Performing Arts

As the restrictions have lifted it has been wonderful to be able to open up the school for performances to live audiences this year, and the children have certainly made the most of every opportunity! Our weekly internal showcases have not only helped to boost performance confidence for the children but have also enabled us to have some visitor performances, a welcome treat and wonderful learning opportunity. We had a number of pupils aiming for scholarships this year in all aspects of performance arts at a number of different schools and it was lovely to note the commitment and hardwork applied towards these assessments. This year we have enjoyed our Harvest Festival Service, Remembrance Service, The Year 8 Production of The Lion King Jnr, The Walled Garden Musical Nativity Production, The Carol Service, ‘Back to the 80s’ Dance Show, The Year 5 Play ‘Three Musketeers’, The Year 6 Play ‘Hamlet, What was The Question?’, The Spring Concert, The Year 3 Class Assembly ‘Rocks’, Busking at The Jubilee Fete, ‘Mixed Up Fairy Tales’ a play written and performed by Year 4, The Year 7 Showcase and The Year 8 Leavers Concert to name but a few! In addition a large number of pupils have undertaken ABRSM Music Exams, Trinity Musical Theatre Exams, LCM Musical Theatre Exams, RBA Ballet Exams, LAMDA exams and Trinity Music Exams all passing with flying colours!

Kate Blomfield Head of Performing Arts

The Year 8 pupils performed a wonderful production of The Lion King Jnr at the end of the Autumn term. This was no mean feet especially as all but 5 pupils caught covid in the lead up to the event! The cast worked so well together and supported each other throughout, the hallmark of this year group. The ensemble groups in the Lion King have a key role to play as they provide the majority of the atmosphere, scenery and harmonies and this very quickly became apparent to all with the quick costume, vocal and character changes from blades of grass, to wildebeest, to hyenas and to pride land animals, the changes just kept coming. The soloists carried out their roles with confidence and accuracy, many using head mics for the first time and carrying solo vocals with clarity above the chorus harmonies. Behind the scenes a lot of work went into the scenery, props, lighting and costume designs led by our group of Performance Arts and Art Scholars. The creation of large scale 3D animals costumes for the elephant, giraffes and rhinos as well as the tonal blend of costume choice in particular adding to the overall look and atmosphere of the show.