Discover Teaching: Inspiring New Careers in Education

Written by Niamh, Head Senior of Extracurricular Drama (Upper Sixth/Year13)

House Drama was a wonderful event that brought great house spirit. This year’s theme was ‘Minute by Minute’, with each house creating a 20-minute performance featuring casts from across the year groups, led by a Lower Sixth house team. The theme challenged everyone to focus on the immediate, no flashbacks, no life stories. 

Our guest judge was Carolyn Maitland, a British actress and West End performer best known for playing Marian Halcolme in The Woman in White. Carolyn has also starred in Mean Girls, next year’s school production. 

Holcombe 

Holcombe opened the event with a powerful play set in the aftermath of a devastating fire, exploring both grief and the struggle of family and friends to process irreversible loss. The story moved between chaos, reporters searching for answers, and the emotional journey left behind. The play explored fear and vulnerability, with a special mention to Deborah J, who won Best Producer for her outstanding organisational skills and for uniting the production team. 

AGS 

Next to perform was AGS, who produced some incredibly creative ideas, including their costumes and use of stylistic techniques. Their play followed Ellie, a girl who refuses to conform to the rules of a tightly controlled environment overseen by the Warden. Ellie’s small acts of defiance soon spiralled into something far greater than she ever expected. It was an intense piece with lots of creativity, and their use of the lower school, back-combed hair, and striking stripy costumes made it truly memorable. 

Aisholt 

Aisholt delivered lighter entertainment with their comedy, ‘Aisle Be There’, set at a wedding and filled with love, laughter, and a touch of the unexpected. The play was full of humour, memorable characters, and brilliant comedic surprises. Performers such as Florence W and Ilaria R brought charm and impeccable timing to the stage. Aisholt deservedly won Best Script and were named Runners-Up Overall. 

Tedworth 

Tedworth were the Overall Winners, with Eimear P and Violet-Rose P winning Best Director. Their piece, set during World War II, ‘The Final Whistle’, captures how war steals moments, choices, and people, minute by minute. The production was moving, atmospheric, and beautifully constructed. 

AGN 

Finally, AGN presented a mystery centred on Lyla, who, after the death of her grandmother, must uncover troubling secrets at a family reunion. The piece was engaging, with a notable mention to Cymbeline A, who conducted a small orchestra to provide live backing music for the performance. AGN also took home the award for Best Technical Production. 

Overall 

This year’s House Drama showcased remarkable creativity, teamwork, and talent across all year groups. Each house brought something unique to the stage and made the theme ‘Minute by Minute’ exciting to watch. It was an event that brought amazing house spirit. Thank you to Mr Castell, the AV Team, and the Drama Department for their help and support in creating such a wonderful and memorable event.