London Theatre Trip

A review by Wanda in Year 12:

BRGS A-Level Drama students found themselves on a spellbinding trip around London’s West End theatres this term. The trip, which involved watching three highly acclaimed plays and going on an in depth tour of London’s oldest theatre, amid seeing many other sights, spanned three days over the last week of October and gave students a rare insight into world-class professional theatre, which will be highly beneficial in their future endeavours as they continue to study drama.

After an early coach journey down to the capital, students and staff were treated to a tremendously terrifying performance of The Exorcist at the Phoenix Theatre which was as spectacularly performed as it was scary. Wonderful acting from all cast members combined with ingenious set design to create a show that was an absolute feast for the senses, so much so the audience found themselves jumping at every shock. Vividly engrossing and somewhat emotionally scarring, the lustre of the piece had an impactful feel which lingered long after the curtains closed. It was promising start to the weekend that left all students excited for what was to come.

Another early start, the following morning, meant much intense activity could be crammed into the day to come, beginning with a trip to the British Library, an opportunity that meant students were able to view many original copies of documents by historical figures from Shakespeare to the Magna Carta. Although it was a brief visit due to the time constraints of the day it remained an insightful and interesting view into the world of literature. After a lunch break in London’s famed Covent Garden Markets, the day continued with a hilariously riveting tour of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, a stage which dates back to 1663, making it the oldest active theatre in the city. It’s also the event of choice for royals and celebrities, as we learned on the tour having been told it has been previously courted by everyone from The Queen to Kanye West. Following this regal experience the culture of the day continued with free time on the South Bank, giving students the opportunity to visit the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, (and grab a quick bite from Nando’s situated nearby). Following this was the spectacular performance of Agatha Christie’s, Witness to the Prosecution at the County Hall courtroom, a real court!! For many this show was the absolute highlight of the trip and with good reason, the realism created by the actors interacting with the audience as if we were the jury, as intended, in a real working court made the whole piece feel harrowingly true. It was a triumph, a testament to Christie herself that likely far surpassed anything she could have envisioned for the piece.

The third and final day of the break began with some brief relaxation in the Westfield shopping centre, an opportunity for students to enjoy their surroundings, as well as buy some gifts to thank Mr Neve for his skills organising the event. It was as short as it was sweet, however, as the show had to go on, specifically a matinee of The Seagull at the Lyric Hammersmith theatre. For me, this was truly the best part of the weekend. The acting was entirely enticing, bringing Chekhov's words to life in a way that very few would be able to achieve. It was tragic yet resonated with all who watched it, the sign of a play done right. This closed the adventure perfectly, leaving a feeling of contentment and closure.

With that, the long journey back to Bacup began after an entirely successful event. To close, I feel this quote from another student captures the joy of the trip completely -

“The London Theatre trip was inspiring, exciting, thought-provoking and really quite cathartic; it was lovely to have time to zone out and get lost in these brilliant, compelling plays forming the basis of my drama A-Level and offering much for all English study. An awesome trip seeing some awesome talent!” Overall, a truly wonderful weekend.

Take a look at the photo gallery by clicking here.