Year 6 pupils have taken the subject of history to the stage, performing a ‘Medieval Medley’ to a packed audience in their drama hall last week.

Reminiscent of a period in history when players and entertainers brought their travelling shows to village greens, pupils acted out a host of medieval pieces, including ‘Robin Hood’, ‘George & the Dragon’, ‘The real story of Wenceslas’ and two Canterbury Tales: ‘The Knight’s tale’ and ‘The Pardoner’s tale’. From acting out the parts of Death, various spirits and the Fates, characters traditionally found in medieval plays, to managing the lighting and sound direction, every single pupil in the year took part.

Ben who played Death, commented, “I liked the knowledge of being Death in disguise as an old man.” Georgina added: “I felt quite nervous at the beginning but I couldn’t wait to get on stage and perform. I loved my costume and getting a sword and a helmet was great. It was brilliant to hear the audience laugh.” Jenna agreed: “The audience laughed at my lines and I enjoyed every single second of it. It was the best experience yet.”

Mrs Jill Douglas, Head of Drama at Cheltenham College Junior School commented: “This was a chance for pupils to put their learning of medieval drama to the test in the best possible way – on the stage. There was huge complexity in the performances, which ranged from betrayal and death to romance and comedy, and the pupils did both themselves and the audience proud.”