Year 8 students enjoy action-packed, literary-inspired visit to London
07 February 2020 | Darren Smith
On Thursday 4th April, a group of forty, lucky Year 8 students embarked on a fantastic trip to London which involved: a tour of Shakespeare’s Globe, a West End performance of Matilda the Musical, an overnight stay in a Premier Inn, and finished off with a quick shopping spree and a visit to the Warner Bros Studio, to see the amazing Harry Potter exhibition. Students said, ‘It was the best trip we have ever been on!’
The group started out early on Thursday at 8am and arrived at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre at 3pm, however, the long journey was no problem because the day’s activities were off to a flying start with a few, adrenaline-charged, games of Bingo (with added comedic commentary by staff) to keep everyone entertained on the way!
The Globe Theatre is situated right in the heart of London and the students had a very interesting guided tour, finding out historical facts and secrets of Elizabethan and Jacobean life. They were even lucky enough to see professional actors in rehearsal and were thoroughly captivated, watching the director choreograph a famous fight scene for the performance of Henry V (Act IV Scene 8) which is part of the Globe’s summer programme.
Back on the bus for a guided journey of London, with Wendy (the wonderful tour guide) giving a brief commentary on the key landmarks of our capital: Buckingham Palace, Baker Street, Hyde Park and Lord’s Cricket Ground, then off to Pizza Express!
After a brisk walk to the Cambridge Theatre, the students watched the multi-award-winning show ‘Matilda the Musical!’ This was a spellbinding and flawless performance by a cast made up of, mostly, child actors. Their talent was simply breath-taking!
On Friday, the group started with a full English breakfast at the Premier Inn and then headed out to the coach for 9am for another jam- packed day of events. At Westfield Shopping Centre they had a couple of hours to browse and pick up some great bargains.
Finally, what the students had all been waiting for…the Warner Bros Tour of Harry Potter! This was truly spectacular and they were very privileged to be VIP visitors, who were given early access to the newly-opened installation of Gringotts Wizarding Bank. They also stepped into the incredible sets of The Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest; explored the collection of beautifully crafted iconic props and discovered the artistry in the costumes of the wizarding world by participating in a workshop called, ‘Behind the Seams’.
This amazing trip, organised by Mrs Timney and Mr Alcock, was also supervised by Mrs Fox and Miss Lightwing. Although this was an action-packed, and a very busy couple of days, the students displayed exemplary behaviour at all times and it was a real pleasure for the staff to spend time with them. Well done to Year 8!