Performing Arts

 We are very proud of our performing arts at Hatherop Castle. Not only are the disciplines of Dance, Drama and Music catered for in class lessons, but these all come to the fore in the numerous productions which take place during the year for all age groups, from the very youngest pupils to the very oldest. Recent productions have included Alice in Wonderland and Yanomamo for our Prep 3-5 pupils, The Moon Thieves and Eddie the Penguin for Reception to Prep 2, and Cindy and Cats for Prep 6-8. Not only do the pupils achieve very high standards on stage, but every child in the school is included – we feel that everyone should have the opportunity to be involved and the children’s enthusiasm for our productions and all the hard work they involve is never less than total.

Another important strand of our performing arts is the variety and breadth of opportunity to be involved in musical ensembles. There is a Prep 2 choir, a junior choir and a jazz choir which are available to all pupils who enjoy singing and wish to perform at various concerts and events through the year. There is also a Senior Chapel Choir, for which pupils audition, which leads school services including Evensongs, Harvest and Carol Services. Instrumental players have the opportunity of taking part in various ensembles as well as the jazz band.

Speech and Drama is a major strength of the school with a very high number of pupils taking lessons. As well as performing at concerts and the Speech and Drama evening during the year, the children perform at the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts and take the Poetry Vanguard exams and LAMBDA exams on a regular basis. Pupils are also prepared for drama scholarships to their senior schools.