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!
Our brand new Dance Studio!
Find out more about our recent performing arts achievements below:
A warm Lower School Hall was alive with music, laughter, and a touch of theatrical flair as children from Lower 2 and Upper 2 took to the stage for a truly delightful concert last night. The evening opened with a confident piano performance of Rocking the Boat , quickly followed by the wonderfully imaginative The Dinosaurs Bedtime March , which had the audience picturing a parade of sleepy prehistoric creatures. The ever-popular Sun City by P. Wedgwood made several cheerful appearances throughout the programme, each performance bringing its own sparkle. There was elegance and poise in The Ballet Dancer , while a charming cello rendition of Gavotte by Gossec added a touch of classical sophistication. The audience was then treated to, I Love Coffee , which was delivered with great character and more than a hint of humour. Film fans in the room were delighted by a violin performance of Hedwig’s Theme by John Williams, transporting everyone straight into a world of magic. This was followed by more lively piano pieces, including the flowing The River Flows in You and the crisp Allegretto by Bartok. The energy lifted even further with Way Out West and The Machine , before a bold trumpet performance of the James Bond Theme by M. Norman had toes tapping and imaginations racing with spy adventures. The concert continued with the spirited Tarantella Twist on the piano and a relaxed guitar piece, Fingers and Thumbs by G. Whitworth. A light and playful flute performance of A Tisket A Tasket added a traditional touch, followed by more confident piano playing including Lightly Row and Le petit mendiant . One of the highlights of the evening was a lively vocal duet of The Lady is a Vamp by the Spice Girls, which brought plenty of smiles and a real sense of fun to the hall. Throughout the concert, the children showed not only their growing musical skills but also great courage and enthusiasm. It was a joy to see such a variety of instruments and styles on display, and the supportive audience created a wonderfully warm atmosphere. Well done to all performers for an entertaining and memorable afternoon of music and well done to all pupils in the Lower School who have showcased their musical instruments throughout the year.
Upper 2 took to the stage this week with their fantastic production of Dragon Days , delivering a performance full of energy, comedy and wonderful singing. The children embraced every moment of the show, bringing their characters to life with confidence, enthusiasm and great humour. Their lively performances, combined with impressive vocals and excellent teamwork, kept audiences entertained throughout. It was clear how much the children enjoyed being part of the production, and their excitement shone through in every scene. From the catchy songs to the laugh-out-loud moments, Dragon Days was a tremendous success and a memorable experience for everyone involved. Congratulations to all of Upper 2 for their hard work, dedication and outstanding performances.
The magnificent surroundings of St Andrew’s Hall provided the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening of music, celebration and youthful talent. Fresh from its recent renovation, the historic Norwich venue looked splendid as pupils, staff, families and friends gathered to enjoy a concert that showcased the extraordinary breadth of musical achievement across the Lower School. From the moment the Steel Pan Ensemble opened proceedings with Number 24 , directed by Mrs Wilson, there was a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. Throughout the evening, performers of all ages demonstrated not only impressive musical skill but also the confidence, enthusiasm and sheer enjoyment that make live music such a special experience. The Guitar Ensemble, under the direction of Mrs Cracknell, brought energy and flair to the stage with the wonderfully quirky Steve’s Lava Chicken and the infectious rhythms of Blue Boogie. Meanwhile, the Reception Choir charmed the audience with a delightful selection of French songs, their smiles and enthusiasm proving utterly irresistible. The concert highlighted the remarkable progression of musical learning across the school. The Advanced Recorders gave a confident and accomplished performance of the sea shanty Wellerman, while the Infant Choirs delighted with their imaginative and colourful repertoire, including The Nectar Team and Bees Knees , conducted by Mrs Barclay. The String Ensemble, directed by Jim O’Toole, delivered spirited performances of Hard as Rock and Parsnip Polka , demonstrating both precision and character. Equally engaging were Little Voices Ensemble, whose entertaining rendition of School Dinners drew smiles from the audience before the vibrant El Cumbanchero brought a burst of Latin-American flair to the evening. One of the most anticipated moments of the concert was undoubtedly the debut performance of The Black Eagles , the school's very first Lower School rock band. Taking to the stage with confidence and undeniable stage presence, they delivered powerful performances of two songs written by themselves, Black Ou t and System Shutdow n. Their energy was infectious, their enthusiasm unmistakable, and they received a deservedly enthusiastic response from the audience. It was a landmark moment for the school's music programme and a thrilling glimpse of what promises to be an exciting future for the group. The Chamber Choir provided a beautiful contrast, bringing warmth and musical sophistication to The Water is Wide before delighting listeners with the witty How to Survive Music Theory. The larger School Choir continued the uplifting atmosphere with a beautiful rendition of I’ll Be There for You and a 90’s classic performance of Dario G’s Sunchyme , taking most of the audience back to memories of Ibiza. The evening concluded with the ever-popular Stickers Group, whose performance of Two Little Dickie Birds brought the concert to a fittingly joyful close. Across every ensemble, there were smiles on faces, encouragement between performers and a genuine love of music that radiated from the stage. The concert was a wonderful showcase of the dedication of the pupils and the expertise of the music staff, whose commitment continues to nurture cofidence, creativity and excellence. In the beautiful surroundings of the newly restored St Andrew’s Hall, it was an evening that uplifted, inspired and reminded everyone present of the power of music to bring people together.
Dance and Drama Gallery
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