Bourne Academy perform brand new play at the Nottingham Playhouse
Bourne Academy perform brand new play at the Nottingham Playhouse
When our students first read the script of ‘Old Times’ as part of the National Theatre Connections Festival back in November last year, they would have only been dreaming about performing the play at a nationally recognised theatre.
After being successfully chosen by the National Theatre to perform at the Nottingham Playhouse when they gave an outstanding performance in March 2023, this talented group of students in Years 9 to 13 have been working tirelessly to improve on the play even more.
Bourne Academy were one of only four groups/schools who had been chosen to perform in the Nottingham Playhouse, with similar festivals being held in major cities across the UK.
Last Saturday, the day of the performance at the Nottingham Playhouse arrived and there was a packed schedule planned to make the most of this amazing experience. When they arrived, they had a personal behind the scenes tour of the venue and met key staff and the production director from the theatre with the opportunity to ask them questions. As this was the first time they had performed at the venue, they had time for rehearsals in the venue and get used to a brand-new stage and setup.
Our students had been allocated an evening performance slot and once again, gave their all and delivered another outstanding performance in front of family, friends and representatives from the National Theatre and the performing arts industry.
Mr Wood, SLAT Director of Arts & Community Projects said “What a success! The students have worked extremely hard throughout the whole process to put on a professional production at the Nottingham Playhouse. Whilst adapting the play to suit the space within The Neville Studio, they rose to the challenges of performing Old Times, a brand-new play, written by Molly Taylor. The performance was both delicately played and hard hitting with complex characters and narrative twists. As a team we are extremely proud of their talents and efforts.”
Mr Sammy, Head of School said “The development of our students over the past year has been absolutely incredible as they have demonstrated great teamwork and a real desire to deliver the best performances every time. I would like to especially thank Mr Wood, Mrs Parker and Mr Swinn for working with students to realise their potential and ensuring that Bourne Academy is on the map as a school who encourage and support students to pursue their interests in the arts.”
