Last week, fourteen pupils from Years 10-13 attended the Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival, where they performed Lear, Ms Walker’s gripping adaptation of King Lear. It was a full day of technical and dress rehearsals, with pupils involved both on and offstage, culminating in an outstanding performance on the professional stage at the Leatherhead Theatre. We also enjoyed watching performances from three other schools – well done to everyone involved!

“On Tuesday 12th November, the cast of a modern adapted version of King Lear by William Shakespeare performed at the Leatherhead Theatre as part of the Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival. Three other schools competed and we all really enjoyed watching their interpretations of other Shakespeare plays.

The story was based around Kinga Lear, a successful businesswoman and her three daughters, Goneril, Regan and Cordelia. Whilst Regan and Goneril flatter Lear, Cordelia states that she does not love her mother like her sisters. Lear then banishes Cordelia from stepping foot in her household, and splits the business between Goneril and Regan. Lear then goes mad, and gradually, all the main characters die – a tragic ending!

As a cast member, I really loved working with the cast and Ms Walker as they were very kind and lovely. I loved how the cast also put their opinions in, which really helped build character and help the Chorus (which was the theme for Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival) really create the right atmosphere for each scene. I had the most tremendous fun – from learning the dances to having workshops, I loved every second of it!” – Sofia, Year 10