Collegiate Pupils Deliver a Monster Performance

In late 2024, Collegiate School's Expressive & Performing Arts students put on a mesmerising performance of the play A Monster Calls in the Harry Crook Theatre. It received tremendous feedback from those in attendance, with one audience member saying it was 'the best school production they had ever seen.'

The story is centred around Connie (performed brilliantly by Year 10 pupil Jemima D), who encounters an ancient tree monster (the superb Thom C of Year 12, pictured) who proceeds to help her cope with the terminal illness of her mother (Year 12's Eleanor D) and being bullied in school.

Head of Drama, Mrs Harry, said: "The courage, focus and dedication displayed on stage was nothing short of magical. The performances that week stood as a powerful testament to how the Arts can help us navigate and explore some of life’s most daunting challenges. I would defy anyone to see better performances in a professional theatre! Every single student made Collegiate and our community so proud."

Click HERE to watch our celebratory video of the show!

Some more feedback from audience members:

"I've come to watch school shows for many years and this is as good as it gets. Blown away and have been thinking about it this morning still. One of the most outstanding pieces of theatre I've seen professionally, let alone a school show."

"I just wanted to congratulate you and all the students and staff who have clearly worked so hard to produce A Monster Calls. It was a triumph! Utterly spellbinding and emotionally compelling in equal measure. The intensity of performance was a tribute to the maturity with which our young people grappled with such sensitive subject matter. The set and ensemble performances created a fabulous backdrop and foil for the superb acting by the main characters. Totally believable and utterly poignant; it was a privilege to watch."

"We drove home in stunned silence. I still feel lost for words. I lost someone to cancer and your play was handled in the most beautiful and empathetic way possible, I will never forget it. The most incredible tribute to anyone who has been affected by loss."