Drama

Drama, at Key Stage 3, is incorporated into our English classes, with opportunities for scripted performance, role-play and improvisation.

This course encourages students to develop a personal interest in drama. 60% of the course involves practical performances; here they work creatively with others to develop a devised and scripted performance.

Students become critical thinkers with enquiring minds, confident communicators and independent learners.

Friends’ School proudly boasts famous thespians Ian McElhinney (Game of Thrones), Richard Dormer (Blue Lights) and Des Eastwood (In the Land of Saints and Sinners) as Old Scholars, whilst musicians Raymond and Jack Walsh of Shamrock Tenors first honed their skills in our musical theatre productions.

We are confident that some of our drama students will also grace theatres at home and abroad. Every two years, we perform a whole school drama production with musical expertise from our music department. Around 200 pupils are involved in all aspects of the production, from acting to audio visuals and costumes to choreography. Previous shows include Chitty Chitty, Bang Bang, Oliver and Annie. This year we will perform drama and musical excerpts at the school’s 250th anniversary concert in the Waterfront Hall in March 2025.

Additionally, we have a thriving weekly extra-curricular drama club for junior and senior pupils.

We have been selected as one of the schools on the Lyric Theatre’s Creative Learning Schools Affiliation Scheme 2024-25 and are looking forward to availing of their expertise; this will involve workshops, theatre tours and visits to our school.