Welcome true believers to the drama page! Here at Milton Hall Primary School we embrace drama like an old friend. Our drama department is thriving, captained by the fearless (and fabulous) Mr Buxton, and tends to all our theatrical needs. Providing class topics with a dramatic flare, as well as lessons in voice, stagecraft and public speaking, alongside clubs dedicated to studying the theatre and Shakespeare, there is something for every one of our young thespians!  

 

"Our destiny lies not in our stars but within ourselves," - William Shakespeare

The Shakespeare for Schools Festival 2017

 

Following our triumphant production of Henry V last year, our young Shakespearean's took to the stage again with their outstanding retelling of the immortal tragedy 'Julius Caesar!' 

Taking the story into a gangland setting, complete with gangsters and molls, Cassius and Brutus murdered the ever popular Caesar. This betrayal had terrible consequences, hurling Rome into a state of peril where no one could be trusted. With blood spilling onto the streets and chaos on the wind, only the devious duo could end what they started.

The play was the stuff of legend, with sterling performances from all the cast and terrific work from the crew. Many parents, governors and even teachers from other schools raved about how incredible it was and we believe it to be the toast of the season! Here's to next year!

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas 

This term year 5 have reflected upon the heartbreaking conditions of The Holocaust. In drama classes they reenacted an iconic scene from the remarkable film 'The Boy in Striped Pyjamas,' based on the book of the same name. In this scene two similar boys from different walks of life, Bruno and Shmuel, meet and a friendship is born. After the acting we discussed all the feelings and emotions that surround this most astonishing of subjects. 

Human Orchestra! 

An actor is their own instrument! A noble phrase that Milton Hall students certainly determined was true. In groups they created exciting rhythms and sequences using all natural sounds led by a daring conductor. Bravo!

 

 

The document above is an evaluation of our phenomenal production of Henry V at the Shakespeare Schools Festival. I am proud to say it is a glowing report and they look forward to having us back next year. A copy will be available to any child who took part in this magnificent project. Happy reading! 

'Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville did not...'

 

Festive classics reach Year 2 this week with Dr Seuss's charming classic 'How the Grinch stole Christmas.' Through drama, movement and music, our talented superstars followed the Grinch's journey from sour, merciless villain to reformed, charming hero. 

Tis the season for festive themed drama lessons! This week Years 4, 5 and 6 explored Charles Dickens' immortal classic 'A Christmas Carol' through the magic of drama. 

Light the beacons! Stop the presses! Call Scotland Yard! The latest LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) results are in and victory is ours! 

This season many students took their exams in Grade 2 and Grade 3 in Speaking Verse and Prose and I am thrilled to report that they all passed, including Merits and Distinctions. The students above and several others from Year 6, who are out on a trip today, are now part of the LAMDA hall and fame and have shown the world once again that Milton Hall Primary School is a creative hub of talent and passion! As Head of Drama I could not be more proud of our young superstars.

Beware Grade 4, we are on the move!

This week Bronte class brought Alfred Noyes's most lamentable tragic poem 'The Highwayman,' to life through a creative drama workshop. They walked in the footsteps of the daring Highwayman, the beautiful Bess and the calculating Tim the Ostler.  

Shakespeare for Schools Festival!

 

This week our brave Shakespeareans took to the stage with their incredible production of Henry V.  After months of rehearsal they treaded the boards at the magnificent Palace Theatre in Westcliff. They told the Bard's tale beautifully and there was incredible feedback from the adjudicator which will soon be published. We also made the Echo newspaper with some smashing photos! Bring on next year when Milton Hall shall return to the festival with that most intriguing of tragedies, Julius Caesar!

Pictures coming soon!

 

"Beware the ides of March!" - Julius Caesar

 

 

An actors account of her time performing Henry V:

 

Last night I felt really scared about going on stage for the first time in front of loads of people but at the same time it was really exciting. I was so nervous but I did it and I am so proud of myself. I am also proud of my friends who were brave as well. I had a really good time. I played a soldier in a red, black and gold uniform. It was a fantastic experience for me. My character was called Sir Thomas Grey. I had the support of my friends and teachers and I had a brilliant time.

- Courtney (Year 5)

'Once more to the breach dear friends, once more!"

We are mere days away from the Shakespeare Schools Festival, a new venture for Milton Hall Primary School.

Our talented Shakespeareans shall be performing the patriotic classic 'Henry V.'

The cast and crew had the opportunity to rehearse on The Palace Theatre stage, basking in the majesty of a professional theatre.

Here's a couple of pics to stiffen the sinews and summon up the blood!