Drama
“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”
Oscar Wilde
The Drama department stages over ten shows annually, including whole school plays and musicals, house plays, new writing and student-directed work. This year’s programme has included musicals such as Fame! and Chicago, as well as plays such as Rhinoceros, Tribes and The Importance of Being Earnest.
Our young performers progress to the country’s top conservatoires, including RADA, Central, Guildhall and GSA. Shrewsbury also has relationships with London agencies and casting directors, and our students go on to professional careers in theatre, film and television.
All of our productions are supported by a student technical team, who are trained and supported by two full-time technicians. Old Salopians are currently working for the BBC, Royal Opera House, and National Theatre.
Additionally, we aim to host at least one professional visiting company or artist in our studio theatre during the Michaelmas and Summer terms. Theatre visits are frequent and popular.
A recent leaver said that Shrewsbury has given him a passion for performance that will last a lifetime.
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Barnes Theatre
The Barnes Theatre Auditorium (250 capacity) is an intimate setting for plays, rehearsals, lectures and workshops and is complete with a full lighting rig and PA system. Unveiled in 2020 before an official opening in 2022 by revered actor and Old Salopian Sir Michael Palin, Barnes has played host to over ten shows annually, including whole school plays and musicals, house plays, new writing and student-directed work.
Home to two state-of-the-art drama and dance studios, technical workshop space and generous front-of-house facilities, Performing Arts continue to be the jewel in Shrewsbury's crown. All of our productions are supported by a student technical team, who are trained and supported by two full-time technicians.
Under the spotlight
Shrewsbury prides itself on the high standard of its productions, and pupils are given the opportunity to perform in the state-of-the-art Barnes Theatre here on site, as well as at professional venues, such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In recent years, the School has produced a number of original musicals, which have toured to Edinburgh and London, attracting rave reviews and a coveted Fringe First award.
Kate Woodman (OS, M, 2018-23)
Kate arrived as a Drama Scholar in 2018 and is committed to a career in performing arts. Her major school performances have included Under Milk Wood, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Matter of Life and Death, Murder in the Cathedral, Gatsby, Fame, Chicago and most recently The Deep Blue Sea.
Kate also completed her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) where she directed and starred in The Importance of Being Ernest.
Already a full company member of the National Youth Theatre, Kate also landed a TV role in CITV series ‘Ted’s Top Ten’ and Amazon Prime's Fifteen-Love.
Kate has also further developed her dancing talents and passed her ISTD Grade 6 Tap exam.
