Recently students from years 7, 8 and 9 travelled to the Whitby Pavilion by coach to take part in the Eskdale Festival. The festival is an annual music and drama competition with over 500 entries in 120 classes this year.

We all had the opportunity to practice performing in the Northern Lights Suite, then we moved into the theatre and took our seats to watch the Shakespeare Soloists.

Corbin, Jaime, Susie and Ross from year 9, Maeve from year 8 and Clementine and Owen from year 7 took part in the class performing 3 minute Shakespeare monologues. Corbin won the class with the “All the World’s a stage” speech from ‘As you like it’. Jaime and Clementine came joint third.

The adjudicator then explained iambic pentameter which is the rhythm of Shakespeare’s work. She also explained different drama techniques including pauses, use of stage and placing your imaginary characters. She was very keen that we should use our exit lines to show the audience what our piece was about.

Eskdale 4After their performances we stayed to compete in the group drama class. All 42 of us competed (including all of year 7 and 8) and enjoyed watching each other perform. The class was won by Year 9 students Jack Dudley, Reece, Corbin, Jaime and Aaron with a Wild West themed piece based on “Teechers” by John Godber. Well done to 8BA who scooped 2nd and 3rd place!

Here are some of our reflections on the day:

Eskdale 5“The festival gave me more courage and I’m glad that I went” Jack Dudley Year 9

“I gained a lot of experience from participating, it was exciting!” Annabelle McAdam Year 9

“One of the best experiences of my life. I’m happy that I got an award, all our effort payed off in the end. I will remember this day for the rest of my life” Jaime Year 9

“It was interesting to see what the other year groups had come up with. I enjoyed performing” Isabella Year 9

“I loved the atmosphere of performing and also watching everybody else perform. It was really fun using a professional stage!” Connor Year 9