Few things are remembered as much – by both performers in later life and by parents – as a school production. Most people can probably recall some of the lines they learnt decades after leaving school. Taking part in a play and working closely with others on the stage is a wonderfully uplifting and energising experience, and we try to offer as many opportunities for taking part as we can.
The Drama department offer a wealth of opportunities to all age groups to contribute to the vibrant co-curricular life of Ipswich School. Our productions are extremely popular with large cast numbers at all levels and they are invaluable in developing confidence onstage and the ability to speak in public. We perform a range of straight plays and musical theatre to cater to all performers’ tastes; pupils can also get involved in sound, lighting, set construction, makeup, costumes and directing. Alongside these shows we run regular clubs and workshops which often result in presentations of ‘work in progress’ to smaller audiences.
Our Lower School productions have most recently included ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ and ‘The Terrible Infants’, and Middle School have been as varied as ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, Bugsy Malone and ‘The Mobile Phone Show’.
We are extremely proud of the Senior School Musicals that are the pinnacle of the Department’s efforts. These have included Little Shop of Horrors, The Addams Family, and most recently ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’. You can read a review of the performance and see some photos here, and here.
Other Opportunities
Sixth Form Productions: On the alternate year to the school musical we produce a Sixth Form play, which for the last two occasions have been performed at The Gallery Studio Theatre in Ipswich. This collaboration provides the students the experience of working in a professional theatre. These plays are mature and challenging pieces, ‘The Welkin’ was a great success in 2022 and 2024’s production was ‘Nora: A Doll’s House
Facilities: There is always opportunity to get involved on the ‘other side of the curtain’. Both the Lower and Middle School shows have assistant directors, many of whom are studying GCSE Drama. Great attention is paid to the set and costumes which are designed and made in the department. Over the years we have amassed quite a collection. There are many opportunities for students to learn the technical side of theatre on the professional standard lighting and sound system within Great School and be part of the team for school production.
The Drama department has a newly refurbished ‘black box’ studio for practical lessons and a dedicated theory classroom.
Trips and Visits: Pupils that select Drama as a GCSE/A Level Option attend a range of trips throughout their course, with A Level pupils thoroughly enjoying our ‘Theatre Day’, attending a matinee and evening show in 24 hours!
CS Drama: Selected as an option as part of Ipswich School’s Activities programme, CS Drama provides vital outreach to the local community. We have been featured on ITV for our partnership with Ipswich Hospital and have also performed in many local primary schools, performing to up to 400 students in one afternoon!
