The Arts

Dance and Drama

Drama

In every year all pupils are given the opportunity to perform on stage in a musical or drama production. The Infants perform in the nativity and their own musical; most recently performing ‘Pirates versus Mermaids!’ In Years Three and Four pupils also perform in a musical with all pupils recently starring in ‘Cinders!’ In Year Five each class will perform a Shakespeare Play with ‘Macbeth’ a firm favourite. In Year 6 pupils audition to take part in a major show which will be performed in a local theatre. Recent shows have been ‘Peter Pan’ at The Puppet Theatre and ‘Shrek!’ at The Garage.

Dance

Pupils have opportunities to take part in dance shows and joining a dance group in an after school club. The Lower School has a strong reputation for performing in dance competitions reaching the national finals for the last two years.

LAMDA

London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) has been in existence for more than 100 years. For the last fifteen years the Lower School has offered LAMDA lessons and examinations and has achieved a 100% pass rate with over 90% achieving a distinction or merit. There are 2-3 exam sessions per academic year in which pupils perform their work before an external LAMDA examiner. Lessons are taught in small groups during the school day and cover an array of subjects from Acting & Musical Theatre to Poetry Reading & Public Speaking’. There really is something for everyone!

Find out more about our recent performing arts achievements below:

Lower 3 Informal Concert: A Night of Smiles, Laughter, and Outstanding Talent

By Eleanor Lewis • May 8, 2025

The Lower 3 Informal Concert on Thursday 8 May was a joyful celebration of music, talent, and pure enthusiasm. From the moment the first note sounded, the evening was filled with smiles, fun, and some wonderful music making from our young performers who delighted the audience in the Lower School Hall. Our musicians gave truly excellent performances across a range of instruments and styles. The audience was treated to expressive pieces on the piano, delicate and captivating sounds from the harp, fun up-tempo solos on the violin and trumpet, and beautiful confident singing throughout the night. The vocal programme was especially enchanting, featuring songs from the new Snow White movie and Moana 2, alongside timeless classics such as Scarborough Fair and Benson Boone’s Beautiful Things. The variety and energy on display kept the enthusiastic audience thoroughly engaged from start to finish. It was a fantastic evening that celebrated not only musical skill but also the joy of performing together. A huge well done to all involved – we can’t wait for the next one! Head of Music Mr Vine said 'another fabulous evening of music and well done to all our Lower 3 musicians for performing so brilliantly' The next Informal Concert is on Thursday 15 th May at 4.45pm in the Lower School Hall and will feature pupils from Lower 1 and Upper 1.

Final Informal Concert for our Upper 3 pupils

By Eleanor Lewis • May 1, 2025

What a wonderful evening of music making as the Upper 3 pupils performed their last Informal Concert in the Lower School. A concert full of joy, confidence, and some seriously impressive talent on a warm May evening! The concert had something for everyone—from a beautiful and expressive solo Bach cello prelude that filled the room with calm and grace, to lively songs from Musicals Annie and Beauty and the Beast that had us all smiling and humming along. The performers truly enjoyed themselves, which added to the magic of the evening. There was a cool and catchy railroad blues piece on the piano, a rocking Lenny Kravitz 'Are You Gonna Go My Way' showcasing some impressive drum skills that brought serious energy to the hall, and a refined Clementi piano performance that showed off real musical skill, virtuosic flair and poise. The audience loved every moment, and it was clear that all the performers had worked hard—and had loads of fun along the way. They played and sang with heart, professionalism, and big smiles. Head of Music Mr Vine said 'I've been lucky to have watched your confidence levels grow and grow over the last 3 years and develop your music skills. Fabulous performances this evening! Thank you all for your hard work and thank you to our visiting music tutors for their hard work too - well done everyone!' The next Informal Concert features pupils from Lower 3 and will take place on Thursday 8 May at 4.45pm in the Lower School Hall.

Lent Term Informal Concerts Conclude with Lower 3 Pupils

By Eleanor Lewis • March 27, 2025

The Lent Term Informal Concerts came to a spectacular close with an unforgettable performance by the Lower 3 pupils, held in a packed Lower School Hall last night. The evening was a true showcase of the musical diversity and incredible talent of the students, blending both vocal and instrumental performances. The concert featured a delightful variety of music, spanning across different genres and time periods. From a emotive vocal rendition of 'The Girl I mean to Be' from the Broadway show Secret Garden, to Benson Boone's "In The Stars", and Noah Kahan's "Stick Season", the audience was treated to heartfelt performances that beautifully conveyed the emotions of each song. The Lower 3 pupils displayed remarkable vocal skill, with their voices soaring through the melodies and bringing a sense of intimacy to the room. But it wasn’t just the vocal performances that impressed—there were also stunning instrumental pieces that demonstrated the pupils' technical prowess and passion for music. The concert included beautiful renditions of works by some of the greatest composers in history, including Mozart, Beethoven, Carulli, Grieg, and even the timeless Leonard Cohen. Each piece brought its own flair to the event, with the students bringing a fresh, youthful energy to the classics while still respecting the tradition of these legendary works. From the first note to the final applause, it was clear that the concert was not only a celebration of music but also of the students' growth and achievements throughout the term. Overall, the Lent Term Informal Concerts provided an unforgettable evening of musical talent, showcasing a range of performances from the Lower 3 pupils that captivated the audience and left them eager for more. With such a diverse and beautifully executed program, this concert was a fitting conclusion to a term filled with creativity, passion, and above all, music. Head of Music Mr Vine said 'what a lovely way to round of the Lent Term Informal Concert series. Well done to all involved and for your wonderful playing, and a big thank you to all the visiting music tutors for all their hard work and dedication.'