Woodbridge School and Sixth Form
+44 (0)1394 615000
Woodbridge School Prep
+44 (0)1394 382673
Home > The Arts > Drama

Drama

Drama lessons are defined by a fast-paced, dynamic and aspirational approach to both teaching and learning. Students are encouraged to make theatre they are passionate about, to be inquisitive and adventurous in their thinking and playful and ambitious in their creative execution.

A wealth of opportunities

We are continuously told that the breadth and depth we offer in terms of genre and style, and the standard we manage to produce, sets us apart from our competitors. The Seckford Theatre provides an exceptional space for students to realise their creative vision and all practical examination work is supported by the Theatre’s technical team.

Creative expression, community and fun are some of the many reasons why students get involved in the varied and exciting programme of extracurricular opportunities offered by the Drama department. These currently include:

  • Whole School Musical
  • Years 7 and 8 Drama Club
  • Year 7 and 8 Masterclasses (by invite)
  • Year 9 Shakespeare on the Chapel Lawn
  • Years 10 and 11 Production
  • Sixth Form Production
  • Sixth Form Summer Residency
    (Historically this has included performing at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival)
  • LAMDA Showcase

State of the art technical facilities

With the Seckford Theatre’s state of the art technical facilities there are also opportunities for aspiring technicians to train under the professional guidance of our theatre technicians in lighting, sound, set-design and backstage support.

Our connections

Woodbridge School’s Drama department is associated with LAMDA, the oldest drama school in the United Kingdom, founded in 1861. It is also the largest statutory speech and drama award body in the country.

From Year 7 students are able to sign up for weekly LAMDA lessons, on their own or with a friend. This personal tutelage, delivered by our exceptional LAMDA staff, is a great way to develop performance skills whilst gaining confidence.

Any queries?

Day Admissions

Lucy Flack (Day Admissions Manager)
Tel: 01394 615041
Email:
admissions@woodbridgeschool.org.uk

Boarding Admissions

Emma Rutterford (Boarding & International Admissions Manager)
Tel: +44 (0)1394 615041
Email:
admissions@woodbridgeschool.org.uk

Pre-Prep and Prep Admissions

Karen Virr (PA to The Head of Woodbridge School Prep)
Tel: 01394 382673
Email:
prepheadpa@woodbridgeschool.org.uk

Our productions

You can view our memorable archive of trailers and reviews over the last decade by accessing our production archive below.

A complete list of productions from the last decade and the full variety the department offers, can be found on via the Seckford Theatre.

February 2024: Little Shop of Horrors

On the ten year anniversary of the show’s performance by our School community, audiences were blown away by this musical extravaganza!

November 2023: Jack Absolute Flies Again

An authentic and hilarious performance by our Year 12 and 13 students to sell out audiences in our Seckford Theatre.

July 2023: As You Like It

Enjoying the enchanting atmosphere of the stage set amongst the trees on the Chapel lawn, our audience were treated to a delightful performance by Year 9 students.

February 2023: A Monster Calls

Performed by our Year 10 and 11 drama students in our Seckford Theatre to sell-out audiences and tearful standing ovations!

November 2022: Romeo and Juliet

Treated to an intense and captivating performance, our audience watched students relay a wonderful adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic.

July 2022: Twelfth Night

Year 9’s perform wonders in our annual open air Shakespeare on the Chapel lawn. Celebrating the beauty of the school’s grounds to sold out audiences.

Special events

GCSE and A Level Drama students get some outstanding opportunities to inspire their study and develop their craft as theatre makers and performers. These include:

  • Watching professional theatre at some of the UK’s most well respected venues – The National Theatre, The Old Vic, Bridge Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe.
  • Workshops with professional theatre companies such as GECKO, Frantic Assembly, Wise Children.

Notable alumni

Sophie Cookson
Best known for playing the title role in ‘The Trial of Christine Keeler’ and also as Roxy Morton in ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ and its sequel.
Luke Roberts
Featured in ‘Wolf Hall’, ‘Holby City’, ‘Dracula’ the ‘Dark Prince’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and more.
Jack Laskey
Has featured in ITV’s Endeavour, in films including ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ and at the Globe Theatre in productions including ‘Antony & Cleopatra’.
Camilla Rutherford
An actress and model who appeared in the film ‘Gosford Park’ as well as ‘Freediver’ and ‘Vanity Fair’.
Jessica Oyelowo
Was the lead female role in British TV series ‘Mayo’, as well as more than a dozen films including ‘Sleepy Hollow’ and ‘A United Kingdom’.

Meet the staff

Gemma Mayes (Head of Drama)
Johnathan Williams (Assistant Head of Drama)
Rachel Edwards (Theatre Manager)

Gemma, Jonathan and Rachel have worked together for ten years. During that time they have significantly raised the academic profile of the department, with Drama consistently securing some of the highest academic results within the School. As a team they have produced 40 extra-curricular productions, introducing favourites such as Shakespeare on the chapel lawn and the Sixth Form summer residency, with performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. As a team they are passionate about inspiring the next generation of theatre makers and performers.

The latest news

All of the latest Drama news from Woodbridge School.

Vocal Masterclass for Drama Scholarships and Enrichment Students 

Last week, students from our Drama scholarship and enrichment programme attended and took part in a Vocal Masterclass, under the…
Read more
8 Mar 24

The Magic of Music

Not only did our School musicians provide the entire musical accompaniment to the whole School musical Little Shop of Horrors…
Read more
29 Feb 24

Theatre Enrichment for Sidegate Primary at Woodbridge School

Ms Mayes, our Head of Drama has been visiting and spending time with children from Sidegate Primary School in Ipswich,…
Read more
1 Mar 24

Want to book a visit or make an enquiry? Please get in touch.

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