The trip began with a very early start at school at 7.30am. After loading the bags onto the coach, we were ready to go, with everyone excited for what the next two days would bring. The coach journey definitely made us all feel the need to get out and stretch our legs, which is why we were all filled with energy as we arrived in London. Whilst passing through the busy city, we saw the River Thames, the Houses of Parliament, and drove over London Bridge.
All of this energy came into use when we finally got off the coach, as we headed straight to a West End acting workshop at Base Dance Studios. We learnt the importance of acting with fun activities, and developed our teamwork skills by trying to portray a scene using freeze frames. We even got to learn a scene from the West End musical Dear Evan Hansen, and got lots of acting tips from an understudy of the character Larry Murphy, who told us all about his career and preparation for performances. We were also given lots of advice on how to go into acting and having confidence.
We then went to Pizza Express before making our way to the Noel Coward Theatre to watch Dear Evan Hansen. This was a very moving performance that left a lot of the pupils, and teachers, in tears. After a very tiring and fun-filled day, we drove to the Premier Inn Heathrow Terminal 4, for a good night’s rest in preparation for the next day.
Wednesday morning was another early start for breakfast before loading our bags back onto the coach for our second and final day in London. Two very talented dancers from the Lion King performance, taught us lots of skills for dancing in the West End, and even taught us some of the Lion King’s very own choreography!
Next, we arrived at Bubba Gump Shrimp for a well-needed meal and a break after a tiring morning of dance. Everyone sat together and we all enjoyed our meals whilst sharing our excitement for the next performance. We then set off walking to the Lyceum Theatre, where we watched The Lion King, which everyone enjoyed deeply. The previous workshops had helped us understand how hard the performers work to put on the shows.
After having the best time in London, we all got back onto the coach and made our way back to school with a few stops at the service station along the way. Whilst on the coach, everyone talked about how much fun they’d had.
Overall, the trip was an amazing experience for everyone who was lucky enough to go; we all made new friends and bonds with people who we would have never talked to, enjoyed amazing experiences and developed knowledge about the work of performing arts and how important it is, and made so many memories.
Lola, Year 8
