The atmosphere around Bristol Grammar School on Thursday 2 November 2023, was nothing short of electrifying. It was a day filled with anticipation and excitement as pupils from Year 7 to Upper Sixth came together to showcase their creative talents in the annual House Drama event. This year, the theme was 'Shadows' and it led to an incredible mixture of hilarity, heart-warming moments, and thought-provoking theatre.
House Drama is an event that has become a much-anticipated tradition at BGS. It's a day where students collaborate as directors, actors, stage crew, and writers to create and perform their 10-minute plays in a single day. The results are always astounding and a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of the BGS community for the performing arts.
One of the most remarkable aspects of House Drama is the diversity of participants, ranging from the youngest Year 7 students to the experienced Upper Sixth. This inclusivity and the sense of camaraderie among all the participants make the event even more special. Each year, the pupils manage to impress everyone with their creativity and their unwavering passion for theatre.
To make this event even more memorable, BGS was delighted to welcome a special guest judge, Old Bristolian Cecile Taylor. Cecile is an accomplished individual who has recently graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Biology. During her time at BGS, Cecile was deeply involved in the performing arts, having directed House Drama twice and performed in notable productions like Peter Pan and School of Rock. Her journey didn't stop there, as she continued her passion for theatre at Cambridge by joining and performing with the prestigious Footlights.
Cecile's love for the stage led her to pursue a career in acting, and she is currently enrolled in an acting course in Bristol at the Actors Workshop. As if that's not impressive enough, she recently made her mark with a small part in the popular Netflix series, Sex Education. Given her background and her remarkable journey, Cecile was indeed an exceptional choice as the judge for House Drama.
Cecile was blown away by the incredible talent displayed by the BGS students. After a day filled with outstanding performances, she had the difficult task of selecting the winners. The awards she presented were a testament to the exceptional quality of the productions. Arul (Y10, Glenn's) was named the best actor, while Henry and Maddie (U6, Hilliard's) received the honour of best directors. Charlie (L6, Short's) was recognised as the best playwright for his exceptional contribution, and Glenn's House received the award for the best group performance.
These accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, directors, stage crew, writers, and everyone involved in the House Drama event. Their commitment to their craft and their ability to bring stories to life on stage is truly commendable.
House Drama 2023 at Bristol Grammar School was an absolute triumph. The event showcased the boundless creativity and passion for theatre that runs deep within the BGS community. Congratulations to all those involved, and here's to many more years of unforgettable performances and inspiring stories on the stage of House Drama.