Shakespeare in the Garden

“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”
Sadly, that wasn’t quite the case for our students last week during their much-anticipated Shakespeare in the Garden performance-more accurately renamed, Shakespeare in the CLR. With Thursday’s downpour forcing a last-minute change of venue, “the show must go on” was truly put to the test and our young performers were ready for the challenge!

Undeterred, thirty talented students across year-groups, rose to the occasion with great professionalism. They delivered a compelling evening of Shakespearean excerpts, drawing from some of the Bard’s most iconic works including Henry V, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and more. This year saw a huge uptake of Third and Fourth form students, a perfect opportunity for our younger years to work with and learn from older students.

The Wellington Drama department brought each scene vividly to life, with students demonstrating a deep understanding of Shakespeare’s language, rhythm, and emotional intensity. Their performances showcased not only strong acting skills but also a clear passion for storytelling and live theatre.

Crucial to the success of the evening was the expert guidance of the Speech and Drama department, whose behind-the-scenes direction ensured a performance rich in nuance, creativity, and flair. From character interpretation to stage presence and pacing, their contribution helped shape another excellent Wellington production.

Despite the rain, this memorable event highlighted the power of theatre to adapt, endure, and inspire. Our students proved that not even a summer storm can dampen the brilliance of Shakespeare in their hands.