Drama

Drama is an important part of life at Clifton College, and there are many opportunities to participate, both for pupils who study the subject academically, and for those who simply enjoy performing.

Those choosing drama will have the chance to develop their acting skills and understanding of stagecraft. Our highly qualified staff also work with pupils to develop their teamwork and communication skills.

Clifton College was one of the first Boarding Schools in the country to have its own purpose-built theatre. The Redgrave Theatre, which is named after former Clifton College pupil, Sir Michael Redgrave, seats 320 and hosts more than 40 productions a year, making it one of the most popular venues in Bristol for all types of theatre.

The Clifton College Annual Musical is a huge event, with pupils tackling all elements of putting on a show, under the careful direction of Karen Pickles, Director of Drama, and Dan Robson, Director of Music.

As well as singing in either a lead role or in the ensemble, pupils can also play in the band which accompanies the show; while others help with the PA system or run the sound desk. Over the last few years, the College has performed Les Misérables, Evita, Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon.

School Shakespeare productions have included Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

LAMDA

LAMDA examinations are very popular at Clifton College, and more than 120 pupils take these examinations each year, choosing to specialise in Public Speaking; Acting; Verse and Prose; or Reading for Performance.

The PCERT LAM gives Sixth Form pupils the option to further develop their CV, following on from Grade 8 in either Acting or Speaking in Public.