Theatre Trip - 'The Woman in Black'

There was fear in the air on 25 November as 25 drama students headed to Richmond Theatre, for a chilling performance of classic horror play ‘The Woman in Black’. GCSE students are required to write about texts in performance as part of their final examination, so this was an excellent opportunity for Year 10 to take notes ahead of their assessment next year, and for Year 9 to get an early sense of what is required at GCSE level – as well as experiencing a taste of culture!

Although students did their best to remain nonchalant during the very scary production, there were definitely lots of gasps, followed by nervous sideway glances. Indeed, one student complimented the "spine-chilling scares"! The production itself was an excellent example of the genre, with lighting, sound and special effects used to excellent effect. Students were asked the most valuable thing they learned; a few responses are below:

• "How to use lighting specials and soundscape to create an ominous and foreboding atmosphere on stage."
• "Lighting states and how they affect the audience."
• "How a book can be effectively adapted into a stage play, even with only two actors."