A level drama

Pupils of all ages and abilities are encouraged to take part in a wide range of dramatic activities. Many pursue the subject further at GCSE, AS and A-level. In addition, girls from all age groups are invited to take part in full-scale school productions. We try to stimulate interest and enjoyment whilst aiming for work of the highest quality.

Drama skills taught include physical theatre, stage fighting, dance/drama and mask work. Extra-curricular Speech and Drama is popular with several girls achieving the gold medal in Year 13. Younger pupils enjoy Drama Club, organised and lead by talented Sixth Formers. Emphasis is always on full participation and raising self-confidence.

History of Theatre

On Thursday, the Junior Division was lucky enough to experience the ‘History of Theatre’ performed by the TIE group.  The interactive show gave us a glimpse of theatre through the ages starting from Greek theatre to modern day. 

A few pupils were selected from the audience to go on stage and show off their dramatic skills.  One of the selected pupils was Hannah Taylor, Year 8, who impressed us with her recreation of a play by Moliere in the Commedia del Arte style. 

All in all, it was a great afternoon.  Thank you to Mr & Mrs Truman and Mrs Prodrick for organising a fun-packed event.

Emily Brown & Amie Dinnage

Hobson’s Choice

On the 21 November, Drama & English students from Year 10-12 went to the theatre in Eastbourne to see the humorous play ‘Hobson’s Choice’ by Harold Brighouse. The play was exactly how those who had studied it imagined it would be, with the entertaining drunken characteristics of Mr Hobson and his three ‘uppish’ daughters. The performance had excellent comic timing that appealed to all ages. It was inspiring to watch the submissive character of Willie Mossop grow throughout the performance. The story willed Maggie to help Willie to transform into a successful businessman after being an underpaid boat maker in her father’s cellar. The play proved that parenting is not as easy as you think!

Nicole Burgess and Stephanie Looker

LAMDA Medal Successes

In May, the LAMDA Bronze, Silver and Gold examinations were taken by Years 11, 12 & 13.

These examinations become progressively more difficult and any pass is to be celebrated. Passing the higher grades has now an added extra value because they attract UCAS points: valuable when it comes to applying for University. A Distinction at Gold, is worth more points than half an A Level!

The results of these examinations have been stunning this year. Out of 17 entrants, 5 achieved Distinctions (the highest) and 12 achieved Merits (just short of Distinction). Of the Distinctions two were awarded Gold Medals and three were awarded Bronze Medals.

Congratulations to all concerned.

Excellent Results for Speech and Drama
On Tuesday morning LAMDA students from Years 7, 8, 9 & 10 took their examinations.  This round was all about devised drama, where the groups create their own piece of theatre based on a given title.  All groups achieved superb results at Grades 2 to 5, there were five distinctions and four merits awarded on the day. Best group proved to be Bella, Justina, Fafa and Rebekah with an outstanding 89%, with Kortnie, Lydia and Lucy snapping at their heels with 85%. A special mention must go to Siobhan who struggled into school two days after having her appendix removed. Her group achieved a very commendable high merit, which was brilliant in the circumstances. We now eagerly await the results of the exams taken on 8 May.

Junior Drama Evening
On Tuesday 13th March the Junior Drama Evening presented an array of amusing, moving and thought-provoking performances, displaying the talent of Beechwood’s youngest actresses. Such pieces as Alice in Wonderland and Jack and the Beanstalk had the audience in stitches, whilst the Train Crash and the Ethiopia devised pieces dealt with serious issues in an effective and sensitive way.

Thespian Talent
Last Tuesday 6th March brought something of a change for those of us fortunate enough to be present at the Senior School Drama Evening. We were entertained with work from many genres as we ricocheted through laughter, pain, self awareness and stark historical reality. The girls brought depth to the many roles portrayed, leaving their audience richer for the experience and aware of the huge talent and dedication of both pupils and staff.

Chekhov at the Chapel
On Wednesday, Middle Division Theatre Studies students went to Islington to see a performance that was based on some of Chekhov's short stories. The acting was spectacular and basic props were used cleverly to create all manner of objects, including a wheeled cart.