Performing Arts

The Performing Arts have long been the jewel in Shrewsbury’s crown.

The opening of the Barnes Theatre in 2020 has provided the school with a state-of-the-art venue, including a 240-seat auditorium, two beautiful studios for drama and dance, technical workshop space and generous front-of-house facilities.

The heartbeat of the theatre is the passion of the students and staff who work there: a recent leaver said that Shrewsbury had given him a passion for performance that would last a lifetime.

Shrewsbury Open Days & Family Visits

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Over the last twenty years, Shrewsbury has taken twelve original musicals to the Edinburgh Fringe, garnering 5* reviews and a prestigious Fringe First Award for their production of Jekyll. We returned to the festival in 2024 with our latest new work The Traitor's Wife, which is based on the extraordinary true story of Donald and Melina Maclean during the Cold War.

The show had a sell-out run during its week at the Fringe, where the audience was treated to a showcase of some of the best in Salopian talent. Our pupils took to the stage and impressed with incredible acting, breathtaking singing and compelling choreography, garnering superb reviews throughout the run.

"The Traitor’s Wife is a stunning piece of work. The stylised aesthetic, catchy songs, comic notes and brilliant choreography kept us entertained. This is a near-professional offering from the school this year; no wonder the agents were circling."

My Shrewsbury Magazine Review

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.