Drama Students Inspired by West-End Stars at Stoke Damerel!
Our students enjoyed an unforgettable experience, working with two acclaimed West-End actors, Michael Southern and Steven Palfreman. Both actors have starred in Willy Russell’s award-winning play ‘Blood Brothers’, and their visit brought professional insights and excitement to our school’s drama students.
The day featured two engaging workshops. The first workshop involved 40 Year 9 Drama students, who participated in activities based on ‘Blood Brothers’, a play they’ll be studying in the summer term. The students were completely absorbed in the session, which combined learning with laughter thanks to Michael’s humorous teaching style. By the end, the students left feeling inspired, and one student even asked for an autograph—a sign of just how memorable the workshop was!
Later, the Year 10 Drama students took part in a workshop centred around ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’, which they studied for their Component 1 exam. This session focused on ensemble performance, choreographed movement, and techniques from the practitioner Frantic Assembly. Although some found the exercises physically demanding, they were inspired by the experience. The workshop wrapped up with a Q&A session, where Michael shared insights from his career and offered tips on entering the acting industry.
Overall, the event was a fantastic opportunity for nearly 90 drama students, who showed great enthusiasm and confidence throughout. Michael and Steven praised the students for their exceptional conduct and engagement, making it a day that students and teachers alike won’t soon forget!