Drama
Parkside has a thriving and bustling Drama department with Drama taught throughout the school. The benefits for the children are tangible, supporting all areas of the children’s learning: collaboration, creativity, self-awareness, empathy, and more importantly, teaching them to break barriers and move beyond their comfort zones.
Every child has the opportunity to perform on stage each year in performances, including: Christmas concerts and plays, literary competitions, assemblies, Open Mornings and a variety of plays throughout the year. Day and evening trips to local theatres and West End performances all enhance the diverse experiences of Drama at Parkside.
Lessons are a kaleidoscope of creativity, where subject knowledge, improvisation, mime, prose and communication skills are explored and developed. Developing confidence through Drama is recognised as one of the many benefits for children. Working closely with the English department, the boys are given opportunities to develop their public speaking through debating, role-play, poetry recitals and class-based assemblies.
Parkside boys perform in a range of plays, musicals and nativities, which have recently included ‘Sound School’, an extraordinary original ‘Stomp’-like production, ‘Private Peaceful’, ‘The Lion King Jr.’, ‘Treasure Island’, ‘Macbeth’, ‘Hey Ewe!’ and ‘The Amazing Adventures of Superstan’.
During lockdown in 2020, the production of 'Aladdin Jnr' was a Parkside first! The production was rehearsed via Zoom and performed simultaneously in the Performance Hall and Gym to socially distanced audiences.
The class of 2021/2022 delivered a full programme of productions (9 in total this academic year), one for every year group from Pre-Prep to Year 8 plus a G&T (Gifted & Talented) ‘Parkside Players Production’. Their astonishing production of ‘Les Misérables’ was preceded by a theatre trip to London’s West End to learn from the professionals on stage and the craft of the scenery and technology used. The boys’ performance was more than polished and encouraged them to connect with their emotions, explore characterisation through song and rehearse with a diverse cast and crew.
The Year 8 Production ‘Beware of the Jabberwock’ was Parkside’s inaugural outdoor, immersive experience. Set amongst the backdrop of the Forest School, under the stars and warmed by roaring open fires, the audience were guided from scene to scene in various locations within the grounds in ‘promenade style’. Lit only by atmospheric fairy lights, this environment presented an opportunity for those less confident to perform without the glare of the usual lighting of the Performance Hall or Gym Theatres.
The 'Harry Potter Mash Up' was performed in and around the Manor and ended up being performed 'in the round' in the impresive Salon. The music and acting stunned the audience as they enjoyed this unique take on a famous story.
The performing arts departent has showcased the boundless talents and enthusiasm of the young people at Parkside. The positive experiences for all pupils have led to a rise in their courage, confidence and character. The positive outcomes, including collaboration and creativity, result in outstanding show-reviews.
Alongside Drama lessons and productions, pupils in Years 3 to 8 enjoy additional LAMDA sessions, which lead to a performance examination in ‘Communication: Speaking Verse and Prose’. Boys who participate, further develop their confidence, comprehension of poetry and prose, diction and performance skills. LAMDA at Parkside has proven to be hugely successful with a high rate of ‘Pass with Distinction’ grades awarded.
Furthermore, Drama scholarships are regularly awarded to boys leaving for their Senior Schools.
The Performance Hall, equipped with lighting, back drops and a custom sound system, provide the setting for the breadth of diverse and incredible performances each year. With 45 acres of beautiful grounds, the boys are lucky enough to be able to make the most of this natural stage.
