The Arts

Dance and Drama

Drama

In every year all pupils are given the opportunity to perform on stage in a musical or drama production. The Infants perform in the nativity and their own musical; most recently performing ‘Pirates versus Mermaids!’ In Years Three and Four pupils also perform in a musical with all pupils recently starring in ‘Cinders!’ In Year Five each class will perform a Shakespeare Play with ‘Macbeth’ a firm favourite. In Year 6 pupils audition to take part in a major show which will be performed in a local theatre. Recent shows have been ‘Peter Pan’ at The Puppet Theatre and ‘Shrek!’ at The Garage.

Dance

Pupils have opportunities to take part in dance shows and joining a dance group in an after school club. The Lower School has a strong reputation for performing in dance competitions reaching the national finals for the last two years.

LAMDA

London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) has been in existence for more than 100 years. For the last fifteen years the Lower School has offered LAMDA lessons and examinations and has achieved a 100% pass rate with over 90% achieving a distinction or merit. There are 2-3 exam sessions per academic year in which pupils perform their work before an external LAMDA examiner. Lessons are taught in small groups during the school day and cover an array of subjects from Acting & Musical Theatre to Poetry Reading & Public Speaking’. There really is something for everyone!

Find out more about our recent performing arts achievements below:

The Great Big Dance Off 2025

By Eleanor Lewis • March 10, 2025

On Monday, a mighty troupe of almost 100 dancers from across Lower and Senior School descended on Stevenage to take part in the Great Big Dance Off. This was the biggest regional heat yet, with over 50 schools taking part. The squads did an exceptional job in each round against fierce competition, with lower school placing a mighty second, and both junior and senior squads coming fourth in their respective categories. A huge well done to all!

Lower 3 present An Evening of Shakespeare

By Eleanor Lewis • February 12, 2025

Lower Three delivered a fantastic and unique exploration of the English language through their performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream , Macbeth , and Romeo and Juliet . The magical Midsummer brought laughter with a modern spin on the mischievous fairies and tangled love stories . Macbeth captivated with its dark tale of ambition and fate. Romeo and Juliet moved the audience with its timeless story of love and tragedy. Each play showcased the pupils' talent, confidence, and passion for Shakespeare! Well done to all who took part!

An Evening of Music, Fun and Smiles at the Lower and Upper One Informal Concert

By Eleanor Lewis • January 31, 2025

The Lower One and Upper One Year groups came together for a truly delightful informal concert on Wednesday that showcased the incredible talent and enthusiasm of our young performers. It was an evening filled with excitement, joy, and a wonderful mix of instruments and vocals. From the very first note, it was clear that the children had poured their hearts into their performances, and their confidence was truly inspiring. The concert offered a diverse and eclectic range of musical styles, from classical pieces to contemporary hits. Students performed a beautiful selection that included works by composers such as Saint-Saëns, as well as songs by pop icons like Rihanna and Taylor Swift. The performance of pieces by Lionel Bart and selections from John Thompson's music added even more variety to the program, making for an exciting and engaging evening for all in attendance. One particularly memorable moment was the stunning performance on the Balmy Drum. The soothing, rhythmic sounds captivated the audience, offering a beautiful moment of calm amidst the lively energy of the concert. Above all, it was the confidence and enthusiasm of the children that truly stood out. Their passion for music was evident in every note they played and sang, and it was clear that they not only enjoyed the experience but also found great confidence in their abilities. The concert was not just about showcasing musical talent, but also about celebrating the joy and self-assurance that music can inspire in young people. Head of Music Mr Vine said ‘what a wondering evening of music! Congratulations to all the performers for their hard work and dedication, and a heartfelt thank you to the supportive parents and guardians that continue to nurture their love of music. We look forward to seeing what these talented young musicians will do next!’ The next Informal Concert will take place on Thursday 20 th March and will feature pupils from Upper 3.