Kimbolton School’s recent Senior School Drama Showcase was a joyful celebration of creativity and performance, bringing together pupils from across the Prep and Senior Schools for an evening of theatrical highlights. Held in the Lewis Hall on Wednesday 19th March, the showcase was warmly received by a packed audience of parents and friends, who were treated to a diverse programme of work spanning LAMDA pieces, Shakespeare and A Level drama. 

Section 1: LAMDA Performances – Prep and Senior School

The evening opened with a lively selection of LAMDA performances – a rare chance for families to experience the expressive and technical work pupils have been preparing for their drama exams. These ranged from poetry and public speaking to devised group pieces and solo monologues. 

Prep School Performers 
The Prep School pupils performed original group-devised pieces, showing strong storytelling and collaboration. 

• Group A (Boys): Elliot H., Noah C.-E., Zorion H., Stannie M., Cameron C. and Teddy C.  

• Group B (Girls): Darcy O., Lily R., Charlotte P., Grace O., Amelia S. and Eleanor S. W.  

Senior School Performers 
Senior pupils impressed with a range of individual and group performances. 

• Public Speaking: Henry D. gave a confident and articulate talk showcasing clarity and poise.  

• Solo Devised Monologue: Naima B. B. delivered a thought-provoking and original piece.  

• Group Devised Performance: Vrinda R., Grainne B.-G., Alice V., Henry T.-R., Heather K.-M., Connor C. and Gracie L. worked seamlessly together to present a compelling ensemble piece.  

• Solo Verse and Prose: Elizabeth P. captivated with her expressive delivery. 

• Solo Monologue: Aston G. brought emotional depth and strong characterisation to his performance. 

Section 2: Shakespeare Festival Preview – Macbeth 

Our cast of Senior School pupils gave a gripping preview of selected scenes from their abridged version of Macbeth, ahead of their performance at the Cambridge Junction as part of the Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival. 

Lead roles 

• William P. led the cast with intensity and presence as Macbeth 

• Georgie C. delivered a chilling and persuasive performance as Lady Macbeth 

• Sam D. (Duncan) and Amelie K. (Malcolm) brought regal energy and tension to their scenes 

• Elsa H. was a commanding Banquo, while Thomas A. (Macduff) and Ashby A. (Lennox) gave strong supporting performances 

Supporting cast 
Sophia R., Leah G., Elizabeth S., Teddy P., Izzy R., Aston G., Olivia I., Nadia B. B., Albert H., Anais B. and Rose H. contributed to a powerful ensemble, with many taking on roles as witches and apparitions. 

Backstage support 
Georgia T. C. and Elizabeth P. formed the vital backstage crew, ensuring a smooth and well-timed performance. 

Section 3: A Level Performance – One Man, Two Guvnors 

The evening closed on a high-energy note with the Upper Sixth Drama & Theatre Studies pupils performing Richard Bean’s fast-paced farce One Man, Two Guvnors – a hilarious play full of mistaken identities, slapstick and quick-fire dialogue. 

Lead cast 

• Charlie M. led the show with boundless energy as the ever-hungry and quick-thinking Francis Henshall 

• Holly C. delivered a sharp and witty performance as Rachel, who is secretly disguised as her dead twin brother 

• James A.-B. played both Stanley and Alan with comic flair 

• Cassie G. stole scenes in the dual roles of Pauline and Dolly 

Their performance, which also served as part of their A Level assessment, was a brilliant display of timing, teamwork and comic talent. 

Kimbolton School’s Head of Drama, Mrs Akielan said:

“This was our very first Senior School Drama Showcase and it’s something we’ve wanted to do for a long time. So much of the work our pupils produce is seen only in assessments or rehearsal rooms, so it was a real pleasure to open the doors and share a glimpse of that with a wider audience. Our LAMDA pupils alone have created over three hours of material this term – we could easily have filled the evening with their work alone. From original Prep performances to Shakespeare and A Level theatre, every piece was a testament to the talent, hard work and creativity of our pupils. I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved.”
 

The evening was a huge success, well attended by parents and friends of the school. It not only celebrated the breadth of talent across year groups but also gave pupils a valuable opportunity to perform publicly and share their hard work from the term. 

Our sincere thanks to all the staff who helped bring this event to life, and to the pupils for their energy, courage and creativity. We look forward to seeing what comes next from our vibrant drama community at Kimbolton.