West End actors Mike Southern and Steve Palframan recently visited Rookwood School to run a drama workshop, bringing with them a wealth of experience from their time in the acclaimed musical ‘Blood Brothers’. Year 11 Drama GCSE students were thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with these seasoned professionals as they explored the intricacies of Willy Russell’s masterpiece.
Under the guidance of the actors, the students delved deep into key scenes and characters from the production, gaining invaluable insights and techniques to enhance their understanding and performance skills. The interactive workshop proved to be a transformative experience for many, igniting a renewed sense of confidence as they prepared for their upcoming GCSE Drama examination.
Imogen, one of the participating students, expressed her enthusiasm for the workshop, stating, “I really enjoyed this interactive workshop. It has given me a renewed confidence in terms of the written GCSE Drama examination. I am grateful to the school for providing such opportunities.”
Mrs Heather Blackmore, the Head of Drama at Rookwood School, emphasized the significance of such experiences in enriching students’ learning journeys. “Engaging with professionals from the West End not only brings the curriculum to life but also instils a deeper understanding and appreciation for the craft of theatre,” remarked Mrs Blackmore. “These interactions offer our students a unique insight into the industry and inspire them to strive for excellence in their own artistic endeavours.”
The workshop was run by Stage-ed, a company founded by Mike Southern and Steve Palframan that delivers drama workshops run by cast members and West End professionals to schools across the UK and Europe.
