Drama

WGS has a proud tradition of producing professional standard and thought provoking theatre that has the highest production and performance standards. Each year over a hundred students from all year groups act, design, stage manage or run the technical side of up to five productions.

There has always been a strong emphasis on drama and the theatre arts at WGS, and with the building of a brand new Arts and Drama complex in October 2007, Drama now has a superb new dedicated home in The Hutton Theatre.   This new 200 seat multi use theatre facility provides a space which has been designed to the standards of a professional theatre. The Hutton offers the ideal environment in which students can explore the world of performance art and gain experience of a range of theatre related disciplines from acting and directing, through to lighting design, stage management and costume design. The theatre and adjoining rehearsal space also benefit from a sound system and lighting rig, which have been designed to professional theatre specifications.

Drama at WGS has never been afraid to tackle plays and musical theatre that stretch the talents and imagination of students. There are two main productions each year in which students of all ages are encouraged to contribute as well as studio productions done by Theatre Studies students. For those who are keen to test and develop their acting skills, the chosen plays are very much ensemble pieces allowing as many students as possible to contribute, whilst those who wish to develop their back stage skills are able to plan design and produce props, sets and costumes from concept through to production.
Theatre Studies is offered at A Level and is a popular choice with students. In addition LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Drama) acting qualifications up to Gold Medal are available. The results in both these subjects are excellent.

In recent years a number of WGS students have gone on to train and pursue careers in the theatre, both as actors, writers and technicians.  One of our most recent successes is Molly Gromadzski, who graduated from WGS in 2008 and this year gained one of only 15 places for women on the Acting Course at the world famous Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London; a story all the more remarkable when you consider there are over 3500 students auditioning for these coveted places. Molly discovered her love of theatre here, appeared in several WGS productions and also took her LAMDA Gold Medal in acting through the school.
WGS is fortunate to have as its Head of Drama, Ian Tyler who is himself an actor with a track record of success on the stage, on film and on TV.  Supporting him is Richard Tuck, a former WGS student who brings his experience as a professional actor to his role as part-time Drama teacher.  Simon Horton has a professional theatre background and brings additional experience as a set designer, stage manager and technician.

Recent WGS productions include:
A Christmas Carol, As You Like It, The Boyfriend, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mother’s Day, James & the Giant Peach, Oliver, The Jungle Book, Twelfth Night, Godspell, Dracula and numerous studio productions.