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:

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.

Lent Term Informal Concerts KIck Off with Lower 2 and Upper 2 Talent

By Eleanor Lewis • January 23, 2025

The Lent Term Informal Concerts launched in spectacular fashion with a vibrant showcase of talent from our Lower 2 and Upper 2 pupils. The evening featured an exciting variety of musical performances, including vocal renditions of songs from Cinderella and Wicked, as well as Keane's Somewhere Only We Know. The Lower School Hall was buzzing with energy, packed to the brim with proud parents, staff, and students. The enthusiasm was palpable, and the support for the performers was unwavering. From the delicate sounds of flutes and cellos to the bold notes of trumpets, drums, and French horns, the concert was a beautiful celebration of musical diversity. The night was a true testament to the passion and dedication of our young musicians, leaving the audience uplifted and inspired. Head of Music Mr Vine said ‘It’s fantastic to be back showcasing our young performers with the Informal Concerts which are such a highlight each Term. Well done to everyone who performed and thank you to our visiting music tutors for all your hard work in preparing for this concert!’ The next Informal Concert will feature pupils from Lower 1 and Upper 1 and takes place on Wednesday 29 th January at 4.45pm in the Lower School Hall.