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The Arts are thriving at Wellington College and this is never more evident than when departments collaborate on large-scale productions. With the ‘Arts Festival’ week in full swing and rehearsals already underway for our next whole-school musical, there are always fresh opportunities for pupils to unleash their creativity, cultivate new interests and grow in confidence.
Wellington Productions
Our annual whole-school musical gives pupils from Third Form to Sixth Form the chance to take part in a West End standard production performed in the 1000-seat G.W.A Performing Arts Centre. Each year, a new musical is selected based on student preferences and skills, as well as the opportunities for growth that it offers the school.
After the phenomenal success of last year’s Les Misérables,(2024) and Into The Woods (2025), this academic year will see us put on Anastasia, a beautifully-written and crafted adaptation of the much-loved Dreamworks film, relatively unknown in its stage format. Without too many preconceived ideas of how it should be performed, staff and pupils have an opportunity to devise a production organically, directly from the score and libretto, with the magic happening in rehearsal rooms, singing lessons and LAMDA classes.
“My favourite school musical is always the one we are currently rehearsing! We choose our productions around the pupils and we encourage them to take risks in their performances while enjoying every moment of the process. My advice to students is always the same – listen, watch and learn from everyone around you, accept the wisdom of the score and remember that the work itself is greater than one actor can ever hope to make it”
Sean Farrell, Assistant Director of Music at Wellington College
During their time at Wellington, each individual pupil is encouraged and nurtured by the creative arts team as a whole. It’s not unusual for a pupil who plays their first minor role in one production to get the acting bug, hone their skills and go on to land a major part. In fact, Toby, one of the leads in Les Misérables, had his first taste of musical theatre as “Policeman 2” in Sweeney Todd, four years earlier.
The collaboration between Drama, Music and Dance also allows pupils to appreciate how different disciplines intersect to create powerful storytelling. Understanding the musical score helps dramatists develop an emotionally cohesive performance, while choreography is used to show how movement embodies character.
The Arts in the Community
As part of a thriving local community, we share our Arts provision with partner schools through enriching events like the ‘Festival of the Arts’. On 17th October, pupils from Wellington College Prep and seven local state schools will join Wellington College pupils for a showcase of talent including musical theatre, pop and rock performances, as well as contemporary dance, ballet and comedy, and a collaborative art exhibition.
All pupils taking part in the festival, and watching from the audience, will find lasting inspiration from witnessing the talent and dedication of their peers. This inspiring event marks the five-year anniversary of the Wellington College Arts Fund which has distributed grants to more than 70 local primary and secondary state schools.
Pupil-Led Arts Initiatives
While large-scale productions are driven by staff, we scaffold and support any pupil who wants to initiate their own Arts production. Last academic year, Maja, an U6 IB Music student, staged an entirely pupil-led musical, Tick, Tick… Boom, collaborating with peers to fill the cast, band seats, backstage and technical crew, and performing to students, staff and parents, as well as to visiting pupils on the Wheeler Programme.
Tangible experiences like Maja’s allow pupils to understand every aspect of a production, from the challenges and hard graft to the elation and teamwork. For many it solidifies their ambition to work in the creative arts while giving them a realistic sense of the work and commitment involved.
Exploring Different Disciplines
The Arts at Wellington provide a platform for discovery where pupils can explore the full breadth of artistic opportunity, engage with a wide range of disciplines and develop a clear sense of direction. With access to some of the most experienced and gifted arts professionals in the country, pupils have a unique chance to learn from experts who collaborate to bring the Arts to life. This approach allows pupils to uncover their individual passions while benefiting from the richness of shared creative excellence.
Throughout the year, a range of major events and performances showcase this spirit of collaboration, not only celebrating the diverse talents of Wellington’s young artists but also providing opportunities for local schools and the wider community to engage with the Arts. In addition to the annual Festival of Arts, a number of events take place throughout the year.
In addition to the annual Festival of Arts, a number of events take place throughout the year — to get a good idea of the range of events on offer and to add some dates to your diary, take a look through this term’s ArtsFull booklet.
Instilling a Lifelong love of the Arts
Embodying the school values, our arts provision equips pupils with the skills, passion and confidence to live a rich life beyond Wellington. From teamwork and leadership to resilience and courage, each student learns how to take responsibility for their own role in a larger engine with a shared goal – to inspire, uplift, educate and challenge through brilliant storytelling.
Find out more about The Arts at Wellington
