Mr R H Grayson - Head of Department
Mrs S J Lord

The Judi Dench Theatre opened in July 1995 and immediately made a significant difference to the perception of Drama in the school for the subject now had its own space and from this its own identity. The stage area is as large as the auditorium so that as well as being a fine theatre/performance space in its own right, the theatre’s versatility offers an adaptable teaching area.

Drama is currently taught to all pupils in Years 7 and 8 and is a GCSE option for those in Years 10 and 11, boasting a 100% pass rate over the last few years. AS Drama and Theatre Arts has also been established as an option for Sixth Form students. The examination classes are taught by the Head of Department, a Drama specialist, who also teaches half of the younger pupils. An experienced member of the English Department teaches the remaining younger pupils. It is hoped that the more formal teaching will help to build self-confidence, instil self-discipline, promote creativity and increase the fluency of each pupil.

The subject is also popular as an extra-curricular activity. The Junior Drama Club meets once a week and the very popular Intermediate and Senior Play Competitions take place in March. Pupils are encouraged to write, cast, rehearse and present their own plays for these competitions and a silver cup is presented to the winners in each category. Staff assistance is available but is kept to a minimum. The recent standard has been very high. Earlier in the term a Sixth Form play is staff-produced or, in collaboration with the Music Department, a piece of musical theatre is presented.

Although major productions are also programmed for the Summer Term – the main school play is presented in November. Our policy is to involve as many pupils as possible in what is seen to be an important school event. The Music, Art, Design & Technology, Electronics and Business Studies Departments regularly contribute to the productions. In recent years classics such as ‘Oliver’, ‘The Beggar’s Opera’ and ‘The Visit’ have been mounted with great success. In 2005, the Stephen Sondheim musical “Into the Woods” was performed to large, appreciative audiences in the Judi Dench Theatre. This whimsical mixture of several fairy tales provided great comedy and entertainment.

Visits to professional productions both in the area and further afield are organised on a regular basis, often in conjunction with the English Department. Pupils are encouraged to assess their own and others’ performances in a constructive way so that their experience of Theatre is very positive and something on which they can build in future years.

R H Grayson