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 Musical Start to the Michaelmas Term

By Eleanor Lewis • September 17, 2026

The new Michaelmas Term got off to a fantastic musical start with our first Informal Concert, featuring a wonderful selection of performances from pupils in Upper 3. The concert showcased an impressive range of instruments and musical styles, with performances on piano, cello, guitar and French hunting horn, alongside some confident vocal performances. The programme took the audience on a real musical journey — from the instantly recognisable fun of Wallace and Gromit and The Muppets Theme, to the beautiful The Swan by Saint-Saëns and the atmospheric Sunrise by William Carroll. There was plenty of variety too, with a traditional take on Old McDonald , the lively Sparkling Splashes and Smooth Water , Burgmüller’s charming Petite Réunion and the much-loved Cavatina . The vocal performances brought their own energy and character, including songs by Stephen Sondheim and Bruno Mars. It was particularly lovely to see pupils sharing their music so confidently at the very beginning of a new school year. Informal Concerts provide a relaxed and supportive opportunity for young musicians to perform to an audience, build confidence and celebrate the progress they are making with their instruments and voices. Director of Music for the Lower School Mr Vine said 'a huge well done to everyone who performed. What a brilliant way to begin another term of music-making!' The next Informal Concert will be on Thursday 24 September featuring pupils from Lower 3.

Lower School Pupils Bring Music and Joy to the Residents of Abbeyfields

By Eleanor Lewis • July 6, 2026

On a beautifully warm and sunny day, the Lower School pupils brought music and joy to the residents of Abbeyfields with a delightful outdoor performance on the lawn. With umbrellas providing welcome shade, the setting was filled with a wonderful sense of community as pupils and residents gathered together. The programme opened with Lower 2 Little Voices, who gave an energetic and vibrant rendition of El Cumbanchero from Havana, immediately lifting spirits. This was followed by the ever-entertaining School Dinners, whose fun and characterful performance showcased an impressive four-part harmony, much to the resident's delight. Then, a special highlight came from U3 pupil Betsy Chuan, who gave a poised and expressive solo piano performance of Ballade pour Adeline, capturing the attention of all present. Finally, the Lower School Chamber Choir continued the programme with a more reflective set, performing O Moon and The Water is Wide, demonstrating some beautiful harmony and blended singing. They concluded their performance with the ever popular Scottish Riddle. The afternoon was filled with smiles, warm applause, and meaningful conversations afterwards, as pupils took time to chat with residents about music, tennis and the World Cup! It was a truly uplifting occasion, celebrating music, connection and community in the most joyful way.

Lower 2 and Upper 2 Pupils Wrap Up a Year of Informal Concerts in Style

By Eleanor Lewis • June 25, 2026

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.