Two groups of students performed in the regional Sheilah Winn, Shakespeare Festival held in Christchurch in which 15 other groups also performed in March. The festival was held at Middleton Grange and our students did a great job treading the boards on a professional style theatre. Both groups were student directed and choreographed. 17 highly talented and committed students contributed to the whole process that included; acting, providing costumes, makeup and even food. Alyssa Tull, Bella Robertson, and Ella Gray, Year 13 student directors, presented a 15 minute piece from the play 'Macbeth', in a modern contemporary style. The scene showed Macbeth being forewarned of his future by four fortune telling gypsies. The piece featured four ghostly apparitions that symbolically show him his dark future. The choreography, the gypsy costumes and stylised acting all contributed to an innovative and creative approach to this scene. The judges awarded this piece Best Movement of the festival.

The five minute piece was directed by and starred Josh Lees as Kent from a scene from 'King Lear'. The five highly talented students played the scene in a traditional style. The piece was awarded Best Treatment of an Original Text and to our delight, Best Male actor of the festival. Despite this year being Josh Lees' first time in entering the festival, the judges saw much potential in his ability to portray this character both authentically and dramatically.
All students should feel very proud of their commitments and effort both behind the scenes and onstage.