Farleigh’s Drama Department is always a hive of activity and this term is no exception, with rehearsals, lessons, workshops, filming, LAMDA lessons, Q&As and scholarship preparations keeping pupils immersed in the world of theatre. 

The Year 8 cast of The Battle of Boat has been acting up a storm all term around the school, both day and night! Set during World War One, the play follows the adventures of a group of children trying to find their place in a world at war. The cast have recently had a Zoom Q&A with the writers, Ethan Lewis Maltby and Jenna Donnelly. This fantastic opportunity provided a deeper insight into the characters and the construction of the musical, which was first performed by the National Youth Musical Theatre. Both Ethan and Jenna were impressed by the thoughtful and reflective questions posed by our cast members and are looking forward to watching the finished film. In the meantime, the cast are busy filming the remaining scenes. After dark filming seems to be quite a hit so far and those cast members who were fortunate enough to film offsite last week enjoyed their first taste of filming ‘on location’! 

Potential drama scholars in Year 8 have also been working hard towards their scholarships: rehearsing audition pieces; creating portfolios; attending breakfast meetings; watching and discussing recorded stage performances; working together in improvisation classes; and taking part in enrichment opportunities. Recently, these included a Zoom workshop with Kelly Downing, one of the cast members of the West End production of Hamilton. Together with other pupils in Years 7 and 8, they also participated in a Diversity in Theatre panel discussion with West End stars sharing their experiences of working as BAME, trans or disabled actors. 

Year 5 have been working on movement in their Drama lessons, exploring feelings and how to express emotion through movement. They have been working brilliantly and have started to develop an understanding of contemporary dance. 

Year 4 have started their unit on Pantomime (“Oh no they haven’t!”), just one of their units of work this term. They are learning about the key features and pantomime stock characters, focusing on adapting their style of acting and characterisation.

Year 3 are working on monologues and duologues this half of term, with an emphasis on performing with confidence in front of the class. Last week's monologue, Friendship Stop, challenged them to empathise with the character and show emotion through their voice, facial expressions and body language. Some classes have also been dancing as part of their Activities Programme and have thrown themselves into the work with a fantastic attitude. 

Farleigh, like the rest of the world, is eagerly awaiting a return to 'normal' theatre but whilst we wait, it is fantastic to see that Drama is well and truly alive and kicking at Farleigh. 

Kevin Hession