Whilst engagement with performing arts continued in very creative online ways during the last few years, 2022 has shown us that nothing can come close to replacing a fully-staged in-person production. 

Something a bit magical

Productions at Whitgift have always been something a little magical. So being able to put on the outdoor Whitgift Summer Arts Festival at the end of Trinity Term 2021 (working within the scope of Government Guidance at the time) had somewhat of a feeling of a magnificent come-back moment for all.

The beautifully lit outdoor stage, bring your own blanket seating, and an array of delicious food truck delicacies set the scene; with a few of the School?s iconic peacocks wandering through the audience only just topped by the theatre-feel of an intermission ice cream! This brought a wonderful sense of excitement to the community ? we had pulled it off, keeping everyone as safe as possible and we were back. Whitgift Summer first outdoor Arts Festival was held towards the end of the first Covid lockdown

Back on track

A year on, it now feels like most schools are fully back on track. For Whitgift there has been the gritty and dark Not about Nightingales, to the triumph through adversity themes embodied by the dramatic Chariots of Fire and the uplifting Billy Elliot the Musical.

The Whitgift cast of Billy Elliot the Musical

The community has come together, watched some amazing student actors and revelled in the costume design and staging. Whitg...