Exploring the world of theatre

The recent Performing Arts Tour to England and France provided students with an enriching two-week program of stage shows and workshops with industry professionals.

On the West End, the boys were lucky enough to see the new musical Back to the Future: The Musical as well as the outrageous, The Book of Mormon. They also saw Henry V at the Globe Theatre and a show at The Moulin Rouge in Paris.

Seeing a range of shows from differing time periods and styles of theatre gave the boys some insight into the diversity that exists in the world of theatre. To further support this learning, the boys participated in a range of workshops focusing on playbuilding, improvisation, musical theatre and even stage combat.

There was some action-packed sightseeing to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, The London Eye, The British Museum, exploring Harry Potter Studios as well as some backstage tours of The Globe and National Theatre.

Outside of London, the students experienced a VIP walk amongst the stones at Stonehenge, explored the birthplace, home and school of William Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon and had a Beatles tour in Liverpool. They tasted the local cuisine of fish and chips and a Devonshire Tea.

Paris brought more sightseeing as students climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Sacre Coeur. Students learned to navigate the busy underground and also take in all of the art in the Louvre. The final day was a highlight with a trip to Disneyland Paris.

This second international tour was a highly enriching experience and a great way for the boys to bond over their love of the performing arts. We look forward to returning to New York for the tour at the end of 2024.

Michael Kent
Head of Drama and School Productions (7-12)