As part of our Drama enrichment programme, we were delighted to welcome the acclaimed and award-winning playwright, David Eldridge, to school on Monday 1 October to deliver a specialised workshop to our Lower Sixth drama students.
David’s plays have been performed in some of the UK’s ground-breaking and leading venues including the Bush Theatre and the National Theatre, and his smash-hit play Beginning was a sell-out when it hit the West End earlier this year.
David’s workshop, which he also delivered to our Drama Society boys, focused on improvisation. Working in small groups, David gave each group a scenario which they were required to act out several times making small modifications each time. For example, the boys were asked to replace their normal dialogue with fruit names instead. In another modification, the boys were only allowed to use three words. By gradually taking away the use of dialogue, the acting became more animated and actions were exaggerated. This helped the boys to build confidence, courage and creativity and taught them to trust their instincts.
Inspired by the workshop, Lower Sixth Former, Peter Barrington, has decided to put pen to paper and continue writing a piece of work he had previously put aside.
Head of Academic Drama, Mrs Antoinette Keylock said, “It was an absolute privilege to host David Eldridge. He is a brilliant playwright and his insight into the playwriting process was fascinating.”