As part of Creative Learning Week 2015, the Performing Arts Department took a group of pupils to London for a residential trip packed with a huge variety of cultural experiences.

Monday was spent in school with activities designed to help pupils gain maximum benefit from their time in London. These included a drama workshop based on 'The Lion King', a musical workshop inspired by the West End show 'Stomp' and a practical session on designing and making theatrical masks.

On Tuesday morning it was an early start on the train to London so that by lunchtime the group had checked into the hotel and headed to Jubilee Gardens for a picnic in the sunshine. Later in the afternoon the dark depths of the London Dungeons provided some hair raising historical insights into London in the past. In the evening the pupils enjoyed an amazing performance of  'The Lion King' at the Lyceum Theatre.

Wednesday morning began with a drama workshop related to the musical 'Matilda' in which pupils had the opportunity to work alongside London theatre professionals and gain valuable insights into West End productions. The glorious sunshine continued as the group had lunch and soaked up the atmosphere at Covent Garden. The evening performance of 'Matilda' at the Cambridge Theatre was magnificent.

One Year 9 student commented it: "It was fantastic, I loved everything about it".

The pupils were still marvelling at the shows they had seen as they headed to Kensington on Thursday morning to visit the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. There was time to see one more show and everyone was enthralled with a stunning performance of 'Stomp'. After a late return on Thursday night the pupils had Friday to reflect on their experiences and complete some follow up activities based upon the shows they had seen.

Some photographs of the trip can be seen below. Please click on an image to enlarge it.

Ms K Owen

Head of Drama