Every March, something magical happens at The Playing Space: Our students step onto a real theatre stage. The lights come up. The audience settles. And suddenly, children who may have once been shy, hesitant, or unsure of themselves are transformed into presenters, storytellers and performers.
This year’s Festival of Speech and Drama takes place on Sunday 22nd March, and our teachers and students are gearing up, with only four or five more classes to go until the big day!
Every child gets their moment
Many traditional drama festivals are competitive. While competition can be exciting, it can also be intimidating and it isn’t right for every child, so our festival is different.
Every student who takes part performs on stage in front of a live audience. Every student is celebrated. Every student is recognised for their courage and commitment.
For many children, simply stepping onto that stage is their own heroic act and the confidence they gain from that experience lasts far beyond the performance itself. Parents often tell us they see the difference immediately, not just in drama classes, but at school, in presentations, and in everyday life.
Exploring big ideas through performance
Each year, our festival has a theme that helps students explore ideas that matter to them. We always choose a theme that is broad enough for students to find their own angle, that has appeal for all ages, and that also has a link to theatre or the craft of acting in some way.
This year’s theme, Heroes and Villains, invites students to think about questions like:
• What makes someone a hero?
• Are villains always evil – or are they misunderstood?
• Can ordinary people do extraordinary things?
Through scripts, devised scenes, poetry, and group performances, students explore these ideas in creative and often surprising ways.
One group might explore a villain’s origin story, another might tell the story of an unexpected hero. Some groups use scripts from stage or screen that they love, or adapt them in new and interesting ways. This year we have When Sally met Harry… and Voldemort among other exciting mash ups! Drama gives children a safe space to explore these ideas, express themselves, and develop empathy by stepping into someone else’s shoes.
Performing in a real theatre
There is something transformative about performing in a professional theatre.
Students rehearse on the actual stage before the show, giving them time to adjust to the space and feel comfortable. They support each other backstage, watch each other perform, and experience the unique buzz of a live production.
For younger students, it’s often their first experience of performing in a theatre. For older students, it’s a chance to demonstrate how far they’ve come.
Parents frequently tell us that seeing students of all ages perform together helps them understand the journey their own child is on, a reminder of where they were at the start of the journey, and what’s possible in the years ahead.
Students leading the way
One of the most special parts of our festival is that students themselves help run the show. Our older students take on the role of Comperes, introducing each performance and guiding the audience through the programme. This builds confidence, public speaking skills, and a real sense of ownership.
An Outside Eye
An important part of our Festival is the presence of an external adjudicator — an experienced theatre professional who watches the performances and offers thoughtful, constructive feedback. This allows students to hear from someone outside their regular teachers, which can be incredibly valuable. Our adjudicator highlights what students are already doing well (moments of truth, strong characterisation, confident vocal work) and also gently points out areas where they can continue to grow. This helps students understand that acting is a craft that develops over time. At the end of the Festival, the adjudicator also awards a small number of special prizes to recognise particularly outstanding performances, scenes, or moments. This year, we are delighted to welcome back Kirsten Moore, an actor, LAMDA examiner, and experienced teacher. Her insight, encouragement, and professional perspective will make the experience even more meaningful for our students.
Why we do it
At The Playing Space, exams like LAMDA are an important part of what we offer. But drama is about more than exams. It’s about team-work, listening, creative ideas, confidence and communication. The festival brings all of these elements together. It gives students a clear goal to work towards. It gives them the experience of performing in a real theatre. And most importantly, it gives them the chance to discover what they are capable of. Every year, we see students surprise themselves!
We can’t wait to see our students bring Heroes and Villains to life on 22nd March.