Students star in theatre festival

Aylsham High School drama students were delighted to have performed the play Britney’s Lock to a full house at The Garage in Norwich.
Their performance was part of Connections, the National Theatre’s prestigious nationwide youth theatre festival.

A performance of the play at Aylsham High School was also well-attended, with a National Theatre mentor in the audience, giving the students a chance to showcase the result of their hard work and dedication over the last six months of rehearsals.

The National Theatre representative gave feedback to the cast, suggesting ways in which they could improve their production of the new play, written by London-based playwright Alexandra Wood, before performing at The Garage.

STAGE STARS: Students performed the play Britney’s Lock. Pictures: SUPPLIED BY AYLSHAM HIGH SCHOOL

Students spent the whole day at The Garage, starting with a ‘get-in’ for their production, the technical rehearsal of the play on a very different stage to the one at the high school. They then took part in a drama devising workshop, where students worked in small groups to create a performance piece.

They also worked with Shane Dempsey, from the National Theatre, to elevate their transitions in their production.

Saffron Walden High School performed their piece first. Sycamore Gap was an emotive piece and was in stark contrast to the comedy Britney’s Lock.
Aylsham High School students then took to stage and Caila Carr, drama teacher and director of the play, said that their sold-out show was “the very best they had ever performed the play”.

The feedback from the National Theatre mentor was also extremely positive, recognising that students had successfully improved their performance by building on the advice they had received. Students from both productions then relaxed with pizza and a hugely enjoyable silent disco.

Students really enjoyed the Connections experience and members of the cast said they would be happy to take part in it again.

Connections plays are specifically written for students aged 14 to 18, with relatable youth-focused themes, which students felt had made it easier for them to connect with the characters they were portraying.

Duncan Spalding, executive headteacher of Aylsham High School, was in the audience at The Garage, and said: “Our students were magnificent and did us proud in front of a packed audience.
“A huge well done and congratulations to all of the cast which included students from years 8 to 11.

“Thank you to Jason Sexton who learned how to use The Garage’s lighting rig to support the performance, and a massive well done to Caila Carr for directing and inspiring our students to perform so brilliantly.”