Year 10 gave the ‘performance of a lifetime’ in a stunning showcase at the Black Box Theatre last term. It was a golden highlight to end the year, with four contrasting pieces that moved, challenged and entertained a warm and supportive audience.

The evening opened with 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane – a mesmeric and deeply affecting performance that demanded courage and a finely tuned sensitivity to the play’s complexities. The cast’s raw honesty and unity on stage left the audience profoundly moved. This was followed by An Inspector Calls, delivered with intensity and maturity. The cast navigated Priestley’s intricate themes with impressive insight, creating a gripping atmosphere that drew the audience into every twist and revelation.

Laughter soon filled the theatre with Clue by Sandy Rustin, which provided slapstick hilarity and boundless energy. The cast delivered a fast-paced performance that had the audience in stitches. With its intricate set, choreographed stagecraft, and razor-sharp timing, the piece showcased the students’ precision and comic flair.

The final piece, Girls Like That by Evan Placey, explored the pressures young women face in a digital age. Tackling themes of friendship, body image, online shaming, and resilience, the cast delivered a powerful performance that blended humour with poignancy and was courageously honest. Their ability to balance lightness with hard-hitting truths through a slick and dynamic ensemble gave the play enormous impact and left the audience reflecting long after the curtain fell.

For the students, the journey to the stage was as meaningful as the performance itself. As student Anna Cargill explained:
“This exam is like no other because of the collaborative nature. Depending on each other to show up and give maximum effort is what made it so special. After months of rehearsals, we knew we could rely on one another. That safety net gave us the courage to take risks – and with the tireless support of the drama department, we always felt guided.”

Student Lily Grosic reflected:
“Every part of performing was something special, together- we pushed each other, and sometimes it was tough, but we remembered it isn’t just about us individually, but what we delivered as a group- so if one of us wasn’t present, none of us were. Looking at the feedback from the audience, made us happy especially as it exceeded their expectations and not just our cast – but Year 10 drama as a whole- how we were able to bring the audience on this intense emotional journey with us was one of the biggest highs we experienced. So, thank you to my team, our teachers, and all of Year 10 Drama. We’re so lucky to have each other.”

Parents, too, captured the magic of the evening. One described it as “the miracle of theatre – something greater than the sum of its parts. The students were confident, motivated, and united in purpose. They made us think, reflect, laugh, and grow alongside them.” Another shared, “What got me was when you invited them all down to the front at the end. Seeing the whole cohort together was extraordinary – what a brilliant bunch of actors, and what a privilege it must be to work with them.”

Echoing the words above, it was indeed a privilege, and we are incredibly proud of our students: they shone like bright golden stars. The audience left glowing with praise, and we cannot wait to see what these talented young people will create next as Year 11 students with their devised pieces later this term. Watch out for details soon.