Drama Festival Season: A Stage for Talent and Growth

Our Year 10 Drama students had the exciting opportunity to perform The Addergoole Fourteen at two prestigious local festivals – the Maidenhead and Henley Drama Festivals. Both events are part of the celebrated All England Theatre Festival circuit, drawing in schools, amateur groups, and theatre enthusiasts from across the region.

The Addergoole Fourteen tells the poignant true story of fourteen hopeful passengers from a small Irish village who boarded the Titanic in search of a better life. The play explores their dreams, their fight for survival on that fateful night, and the loved ones they left behind. "Ireland, with its troubles and its sorrows, couldn't offer much to those who yearned for more... Fourteen souls, all from our little village, set off for a new life across the sea."

The group began working on the piece in January, developing their own interpretation of the script with strong emphasis on ensemble work, expressive physical theatre and hauntingly beautiful choral singing – including a moving rendition of the traditional Irish folk song The Parting Glass.

At the Maidenhead Drama Festival, one of the most highly regarded in the country, our students performed in front of a live audience and a professional adjudicator. The festival showcases around twelve one-act plays over the course of a week, each judged on acting, direction, stage presentation, and overall dramatic achievement. While we didn’t leave with a trophy, the cast was praised for their emotional connection to the piece, their sincerity, and their visual storytelling. They were also shortlisted for Best Stage Presentation – a recognition of their thoughtful use of set, lighting, costume, and stage space.

Their second performance took place at the historic Kenton Theatre for the Henley Drama Festival, where the students embraced the challenge of a new venue. Performing in front of a fresh audience gave the cast even more confidence and a deeper understanding of theatrical craft. Once again, they were commended for their sensitivity to the subject matter and their ability to shift between scenes with fast-paced energy and clarity.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. They relished the opportunity to collaborate across different GCSE classes, perform at professional venues, compete against other talented groups, and gain valuable feedback through formal adjudication. Watching a wide variety of adult and youth group performances further enriched their appreciation for live theatre.

Drama Festival season was not only a chance to showcase their skills but a meaningful learning experience that has helped these young performers grow in confidence, collaboration, and creative expression.