Bea is scheduled to depart from Stonyhurst this week to commence her rehearsals for the prestigious role.

Since the age of three, Bea’s passion for dance has been nurtured by the Mclaren Dance Company and her dedicated ballet tutors. Over the years, she has participated in numerous dance competitions across the country, clinching the title of British cabaret champion at just four years old. At the same age, she impressively earned the runner-up spot in the All-England competition, facing off against competitors up to three years her senior. Bea’s talents were further highlighted last year with an appearance on “Britain’s Got Talent” and her first professional engagement in the classic musical “Oliver.”

This year, Bea earned a scholarship to the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School in New York and was slated to compete in the Youth American Grand Prix in Italy. Despite these exciting opportunities, the chance to perform in London’s West End was an offer she couldn’t refuse, underscoring her rising star in the world of dance and theatre.

From her earliest days at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall, Bea has demonstrated remarkable talent and dedication in the performing arts. She has flourished under the guidance of the school’s outstanding Drama Department, receiving LAMDA coaching from Chloe Carrington, a seasoned actress with roles in notable productions like the Jersey Boys World Tour and Moulin Rouge.

In addition to Chloe’s mentorship, Bea has also benefited from the expertise of Kate Hodkinson, the Head of Drama at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall, who is an accomplished public speaker, actor, and singer with extensive professional experience in television and touring theatre.

During her time at Stonyhurst, Bea has taken on significant roles, including a lead in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and a part in the professional staging of Oliver at Leeds Playhouse. Her impressive performances have led to exceptionally high marks in two Musical Theatre LAMDA examinations, showcasing her burgeoning talent and the robust arts education provided by Stonyhurst.

As Bea undertakes her role in London, she will simultaneously continue her academic studies. Stonyhurst is dedicated to ensuring that her education remains a top priority, facilitating her completion of schoolwork remotely with her mother’s assistance, thereby maintaining a balanced approach to her academic and theatrical commitments.

“The entire community at Stonyhurst is immensely proud of Bea and her exceptional accomplishment,” states Kate Hodkinson, Head of Drama at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall. “Her selection for this coveted role underscores her talent and the calibre of drama education at Stonyhurst. We wish her every success in this exciting new chapter and are committed to supporting her throughout her journey.”

Speak Up is the NT’s new national programme which sees young people, who have been most affected by the pandemic, working in collaboration with local artists and teachers to co-create artistic responses to issues that are most important to them. Responding to the current challenges in schools, the programme aims to develop young people’s self-expression, wellbeing and personal skills, with an open-ended offer to make creative projects in their local area.

The NT is collaborating with LUNG as Creative Associates to deliver the training of artists and teachers and to develop the creative ambitions of Speak Up. LUNG is a campaign-led verbatim theatre company which works closely with communities nationally to shine a light on political, social and economic issues in modern Britain to ensure hidden voices are heard.

Speak Up is taking place in selected schools across Doncaster, Greater Manchester (Salford, Wigan, Rochdale), Havering, Sunderland, Wakefield and Wolverhampton, with the project extending into additional areas in 2023. The NT’s current Theatre Nation Partnership organisations are Cast in Doncaster, The Lowry in Salford, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Sunderland Empire and Sunderland Culture, Theatre Royal Wakefield and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

As part of the pilot with secondary schools across Wakefield, Sunderland and Greater Manchester, students have taken part in a variety of creative sessions to empower them to tell their own stories and connect with each other and their local communities. Sessions have included creating a mural around the theme of equality and exploring storytelling methods through a variety of artforms such as film making, animation and stand-up comedy. Artists, partner organisations and young people have used the sessions to work collaboratively to design what Speak Up is going to look like for them in their schools for the next three years.

Speak Up is generously supported by the Mohn Westlake Foundation which shares the NT’s belief in the power of youth voice and working with young people to enable positive change in their lives, schools and local communities. Through a £3.3million grant to deliver the programme nationally, Speak Up will reach hundreds of thousands of students, with the majority of the funding distributed to partners enabling local employment of producers and artists.

Rufus Norris, Artistic Director of the National Theatre said, “Speak Up is a crucial part of the National Theatre’s work in levelling up, giving agency to young people nationwide whose voices often go unheard and that the Covid pandemic hit even harder. This innovative model will empower young people to share their views on current issues and put them at the heart of the creative process. We are excited to build on our in-depth relationships with our Theatre Nation partners across the country to deliver this new programme, guided by the creative vision of LUNG with invaluable funding from the Mohn Westlake Foundation. Together we will support young people to become leaders of the future and make positive change in their own lives and in their communities”.

Marit Mohn and Stian Westlake, Trustees and Founders of The Mohn Westlake Foundation said, ”We understand that the pandemic has created unprecedented levels of isolation and disenfranchisement for young people. We are delighted to be extending our partnership with the National Theatre to increase access to the arts in particularly hard-hit areas of the country. By investing in young people, our leaders of the future, Speak Up will put them at the heart of the creative process, empowering them to combat these challenges, and rediscover their voice.”

Amanda Parkes, Head of School at Oxclose Academy, Sunderland said, “Speak Up has reignited a love for group creativity that Covid decimated. Through taking part in Speak Up, our students have blossomed and learned so much about themselves and opportunities the arts offer them – and, more importantly, how valuable their voice and place in this world is. Their energy and engagement are electric and pupils have stepped up to the challenge, taken risks and found their voice.”

Connor, 13, pupil at Oxclose Academy, Sunderland said, “Speak Up has given me opportunities to work with lot of different types of artists. I have really enjoyed working practically and have grown in confidence when working as part of a group”.

www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/speak-up

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) works with thousands of young people, teachers, and partner theatres each year to ensure everyone has access to an arts-rich education and the opportunity to unlock their potential. This autumn, RSC Learning is offering a wide range of resources and activities for teachers and learners, many free to use, including online performances and videos, workshops and professional development opportunities.

Jacqui O’Hanlon, RSC Director of Learning and National Partnerships said: ‘All young people deserve an arts-rich education. We know this develops the life chances of children, contributes to their wellbeing, develops skills and behaviours that mean they do better at school, enhances employability and creates engaged citizens who make a positive contribution to the world we all live in.

‘We have so much evidence as an arts sector about the ways in which arts-rich schools and arts learning unlocks potential and reveals new ways to see ourselves, others and the world around us.  All young people and schools should have access to artists and resources that support learning outcomes for children and develop pathways for their future, equipping them to go out and thrive in today’s world’.

Examples of RSC Learning activities

The RSC’s Certificate in Teaching Shakespeare develops teachers’ skills knowledge and confidence in using RSC rehearsal-room approaches in the classroom.

In addition, any school, anywhere in the UK can book a teacher professional development day led by RSC artists at a venue of their choice.

‘Live’ Lessons explore the characters, themes and language of Shakespeare plays and the Shakespeare Learning Zone contains an informative and interactive catalogue of games, videos, galleries and key learning resources, giving students the chance to find more about each play or revise ones they know well. The newest additions will be The Comedy of Errors and As You Like It, including specially commissioned films of actors in rehearsals and in performance.

The new ‘Clore Learning Centre online’ workshops enable any school anywhere in the UK to book a workshop with RSC artists to explore the contemporary relevance of Shakespeare’s plays to our lives and world today. Online Workshops on Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet or The Tempest are available throughout November and December 2021.

This year, the RSC has been working with Samsung Electronics UK to create Next Generation Introduces – a series of films that explores the theatre careers available off stage. These films feature RSC Acting Artistic Director, Erica Whyman, and RSC Director of Digital Development, Sarah Ellis, as well as representatives across Costume, Technical and Marketing departments. The full set of films are now available at https://www.rsc.org.uk/learn/young-people/next-generation/introduces

Sophie Edgerley Harris, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Samsung Electronics UK said: “At Samsung, we believe it is our duty to help to equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven future. We all have a part to play, and are committed to giving everyone equal access to knowledge, skills, and resources. We are delighted to partner with RSC to deliver these films to open up career opportunities in the sector and allow young people to shape a better future for themselves and their communities through technology.”

The RSC is also hosting a programme of events this Autumn, including a Free School’s Broadcast of The Tempest from 15 – 19 November 2021, a Primary open day for the RSC’s upcoming production The Magician’s Elephant – a brand new musical based on the novel by children’s author, Kate DiCamillo – on 25 November 2021.

All resources and event information are accessible via the Learning section of the RSC website: rsc.org.uk/learn

LEO Academy Trust, which serves over 3,500 pupils across six primary schools in the borough, started the initiative to engage pupils with the many different forms of art and inspire them to have fun expressing themselves.

The Big Arts Week forms a key part of the Trust’s mission, which aims to prepare pupils with lifelong skills and help them develop their independence, confidence and character through creativity, performance and sport.

This year’s LEO Big Arts Week will focus on the theme of the environment. There will be a range of imagery, books, music and dance-based activities and workshops throughout the week to provide hands-on creative learning opportunities, whilst engaging pupils with sustainability and ways to look after the planet. This will include:

• ‘Junk’ percussion workshop with Donald O’Neill, teaching children how to build and play their own percussion instruments from recycled materials.
• Dance workshop with Lily Webb, where pupils will learn a fun dance routine to ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, delivered via a virtual session for children to access at home or in school.
• Arts and crafts session with local artist, Doug Shaw, where pupils will create their own piece of nature-themed artwork inspired by the local area, re-using everyday materials.
• Poetry activities and a competition with children’s poet and illustrator, Mikey O’Crikey

After what has been a particularly challenging 18 months for pupils coping with the upheaval and disruption of Covid-19, providing enriching opportunities for children to have fun and be creative this summer is especially important.

Each Big Arts Week activity is designed to inspire pupils and encourage them to try a new skill, supporting their social and emotional development as we transition out of lockdown.

Dominique Briggs, director of partnerships and extended schools at LEO Academy Trust, said: “We are thrilled to launch this year’s LEO Big Arts Week and give pupils a dedicated space to engage with arts and culture, something which many of us have missed out on during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Creative learning is a vital part of a child’s education, yet lockdowns and school closures have made it more challenging for children to take part in the creative activities they love such as attending music lessons, going to the theatre and dancing with friends.

“We are delighted to be running a range of exciting workshops this week delivered by expert local artists, which will help children develop their confidence, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills, but above all have fun with learning. It has been a joy to see the brilliant work that pupils have done so far and how much they are enjoying taking part in the music, arts and creative writing activities.”

For more information please visit: http://www.leoacademytrust.co.uk/659/events-calendar/event/42/leo-big-arts-week

The series will launch on Wednesday 6 January 2021, the day of Twelfth Night itself, with a celebratory reading by Michael Morpurgo, who will share his contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s funny and touching tale of the same name alongside performed scenes from the play.

With additional titles including Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, The Winter’s Tale, The Tempest and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, these performances are suitable for young people from Key Stages 1-4 and feature Michael Morpurgo himself as well as performances by the RSC’s current Acting Company.

Tales from Shakespeare will be streamed as live free into UK schools at 11am each Friday for a five-week period starting from Friday 8 January 2021. The recordings will then be available on demand for a three-month period for all schools who register.

Each event will then be available from 11am the following Monday for families to watch online on demand for seven days at a cost of £5 per family.

For more information, visit https://www.rsc.org.uk/education/schools-broadcasts/

The Glasgow theatre company has enlisted five of the UK’s most exciting playwrights to create a programme of plays to be gifted to young people – aged eight to 25 – across the country to perform and adapt as they wish, for free. Positive Stories for Negative Times is a direct response to the lack of physical spaces for young people to participate in creative activities currently, and the detrimental impact that this is having on their mental health and wellbeing.

Working with those from isolated areas, marginalised groups and vulnerable young people, Positive Stories for Negative Times is providing a new outlet to nurture creativity, encourage the exchange of new skills and ideas and provide a safe space online that could have a genuine impact on young people’s experience during the global pandemic.

Locations of those taking part so far includes Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dumfries and Galloway, Fife, Alloa, Mull, Aberdeen, Angus, Falkirk, West Lothian, East Lothian, Ayrshire, Dundee, Perth, North Berwick, London, Manchester, Oxford, Nottingham, Sussex, Northampton, Buxton, Malvern and Dorset. It has also garnered international interest with groups in Iceland and Oregon before it was officially announced.

Wonder Fools will provide a framework of how to rehearse, direct and record the works, with specific guidance on how to deliver the project in total lockdown, through blended learning or completely live in the space – a format that enables the work to continue despite changes in government guidelines. It’s entirely free and comes with a handbook that will help teachers and group leaders deliver the work whether that be live or remotely.

Suzie Lundy, curriculum leader of music and drama at Edinburgh’s Royal High School commented: “Positive Stories for Negative Times is a wonderful project providing a platform for young people’s creativity and engagement at a time when they need it most. The coronavirus pandemic has limited their lives and their opportunities through the impact of lockdown and ongoing restrictions, not least through the closures of theatres and other creative venues. The Wonder Fools project gives them back the chance to create their own work and engage with professionals in the industry. It is innovative and exciting in its design and we are thrilled to able to participate.”

Positive Stories for Negative Times runs through to March 2021, so there’s still plenty of time for new groups to register via the website now at positivestories.scot.

All performed plays will be uploaded and hosted on the bespoke platform accessible anywhere in the world where participants can see other interpretations of the same play, share with their families who can watch from afar and most importantly, continue to celebrate young people’s work in the arts despite most theatres being closed until 2021.

The six productions complete the National Theatre Collection, which consists of high-quality recordings of 30 world-class productions drawing from 10 years of NT Live broadcasts, including productions from a range of renowned British theatres, and never before released recordings from the National Theatre’s Archive.

The new productions include:

– A Streetcar Named Desire (Young Vic) – an adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ timeless masterpiece directed by Benedict Andrews and starring Gillian Anderson, Ben Foster and Vanessa Kirby

– Cat on A Hot Tin Roof (Young Vic) – Sienna Miller stars alongside Jack O’Connell and Colm Meaney in Tennessee Williams’ searing, poetic story of a family’s fight for survival directed by Benedict Andrews

– Consent – Nina Raine’s powerful, painful, funny play which sifts the evidence from every side and puts justice herself in the dock

– Small Island – Andrea Levy’s Orange Prize-winning novel brought to life in an epic new theatre adaptation directed by Rufus Norris

– Translations – Brian Friel’s modern classic directed by Ian Rickson is a powerful account of nationhood, which sees the turbulent relationship between England and Ireland play out in one quiet community

– wonder.land – Alice for the online generation. A new musical created by Damon Albarn, Moira Buffini and Rufus Norris inspired by Lewis Carroll’s iconic story with stunning sets, costumes, video projection and lighting taking everyone on a journey to wonderland.

The National Theatre Collection celebrates the best of British theatre and includes Shakespeare set texts, 20th century classics, exciting literary adaptations and productions created especially for younger audiences. Most recordings are accompanied by learning resources to explore the craft behind the best of British theatre including rehearsal insights and short videos. ProQuest will continue to complement the recordings with digitised archival content including prompt scripts, costume bibles and costume designs.

Following the announcement from the UK Government for all UK schools to close in light of the Coronavirus pandemic, the National Theatre Collection is available to pupils and teachers at state schools and state-funded further education colleges via remote access in partnership with Bloomsbury Publishing via their Drama Online platform. Schools will be able to share log-in details with pupils to access resources at home during this period. Over 2,670 state-funded schools and colleges have signed up to the National Theatre Collection to access these resources at home.

Bloomsbury Publishing and ProQuest are both extending trials of the National Theatre Collection for academic institutions – including universities, libraries and independent schools – to support the educational community across the globe.

Alice King-Farlow, Director of Learning at the National Theatre said, “We are thrilled to announce the final six productions that complete the National Theatre Collection and are now available for teachers and students to access from home. These titles showcase the rich spectrum of contemporary British theatre and extraordinary talent of inspirational theatre-makers across the UK. Given the difficult circumstances we are all facing across the globe, it is even more important for us to keep connected and continue to provide resources and learning materials for students and teachers to access remotely”.

Jenny Ridout, Global Head of Academic Publishing at Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. said, “The exciting final six films now added to the National Theatre Collection on Drama Online ensure that this collection offers students and scholars a wide range of world-class theatre, available to study and inspire over many years. As the global educational community moves so quickly online in this time of challenge, a resource such as Drama Online is ever more vital, providing students with immediate and consistent access to such a rich catalogue of performances. Bloomsbury is delighted to be at the forefront of efforts to support and enhance digital learning, opening access to our learning and teaching resources around the world.”

Katie Birch, Vice President of Product Management at ProQuest, said, “In a time of crisis, the need for performing arts and culture has emerged greater than ever. Having access to digital resources helps keep us connected and allows research, teaching and learning to continue despite our inability to connect in person. ProQuest is doing everything we can to support libraries, universities and schools in their rapid transition to online-only access. We’re honoured to partner with the National Theatre to make this high-quality full collection available to those who need it – including students who need to watch and review performances as a critical part of their curriculum.”

Teachers can sign up now to National Theatre Collection via www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/ntcollection

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, the ground-breaking trilogy which includes Julius Caesar, Henry IV and The Tempest is now available for secondary schools to watch across the UK via the free national service. With a diverse, all-female cast and set in a women’s prison, the productions asked the question, “Who owns Shakespeare?”. The Trilogy was described by the Observer as ‘One of the most important theatrical events of the last 20 years.’

The Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy began in 2012 with an all-female production of Julius Caesar with Harriet Walter in the title role. Two further productions followed: Henry IV in 2014 and The Tempest in 2016, all featuring a diverse company of women.

The National Theatre’s On Demand In Schools service offers world class curriculum-linked productions – free of charge – to schools across the country. Over 3880 schools are currently signed up to the service, including over 60% of state-funded secondary schools in the country. There are 14 productions available on the service which includes four titles suitable for primary schools.

On Demand In Schools complements trips to see live performances by enabling younger audiences to watch plays in their classroom. The plays are recorded in high definition in front of a live theatre audience. Teachers can show the full production or choose to watch key scenes over a number of lessons.

To accompany the Shakespeare Trilogy recordings, the Donmar Warehouse has created extensive digital learning resources that have been developed in partnership with the Trilogy company, teachers and young people. Designed to support the teaching of Drama, English and PSHE, the accessible resources support in giving further context to the development of the Shakespeare Trilogy, and explorations of its key themes and contemporary relevance to young people.

nationaltheatre.org.uk/schools

The production will visit five selected secondary schools each week across London and the UK, touring to the National Theatre’s six Theatre Nation partner areas: Outer East London in partnership with the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch; Wakefield, in partnership with the Theatre Royal; Doncaster, in partnership with Cast; Sunderland in partnership with Sunderland Empire and Sunderland Culture; Wolverhampton, in partnership with the Grand Theatre; and the Greater Manchester area in partnership with The Lowry, Salford.

The schools tour is a 90-minute version of the play performed in the round and will be followed by a Q&A session for students with the company. The tour is accompanied by a learning programme which includes professional development for teachers led by the NT and Curious Incident movement directors Frantic Assembly, as well as curriculum-based resources and workshops.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time brings Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel to life on stage, adapted by two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens and directed by Olivier and Tony Award®‑winning director Marianne Elliott. The novel has won more than 17 literary awards and is widely studied in schools. Simon Stephens’ adaptation is a set text for GCSE English Literature.

The play tells the story of Christopher John Francis Boone, who is fifteen years old. He stands besides Mrs Shears’ dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in a book he is writing to solve the mystery of who killed Wellington. He has an extraordinary brain, and is exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and distrusts strangers. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that upturns his world.

Speaking about the schools tour Simon Stephens said: “It means the world to me that Curious Incident will be touring schools around the country. I worked as a schoolteacher teaching kids in Dagenham in Essex 20 years ago. I loved it. I still think of myself as a teacher. I have seen firsthand how inspiring drama is to young people in schools. I believe the arts to be fundamental to our society. We can’t afford to lose them from our education system. I am delighted that our play will play its part in introducing young people to the theatre. I always hoped that Curious Incident was a play that could be performed anywhere, by anyone. The play is designed to provoke and inspire imagination and interpretation in its staging and inspiration in its audience. The tour will, I hope, provide the same kind of imagination and inspiration throughout the country.”

Alice King-Farlow, Director of Learning at the National Theatre said, “At the National Theatre we believe that all young people should have the opportunity to experience and participate in drama no matter where they are in the UK. We’re delighted to be touring this award-winning play to schools, and via our Theatre Nation Partnerships, we hope that bringing Simon Stephen’s brilliant Curious Incident to young audiences across the country will help to spark imaginations and encourage participation in theatre”.

Awarded by the Imperial Family of Japan on behalf of the Japan Arts Association, the global arts prize includes five categories not covered by The Nobel Prize – painting, sculpture, architecture, music, theatre and film. The prizes are awarded for outstanding contributions to the development and promotion of the arts.

SSF uses the unique power of Shakespeare to transform lives. At its core is the world’s largest youth drama Festival. Every year, Shakespeare Schools Festival unites up to 30,000 young people from all backgrounds and abilities in a journey that increases confidence, resilience and teamwork, giving thousands of young people from across the UK the crucial skills they need to succeed in life. The six month process culminates in exhilarating performance nights from primary, secondary and special educational needs schools at up to 136 theatres nationwide, every autumn.

This year marks SSF’s 18th birthday and the charity is celebrating working with 300,000 young people since it was established in 2000.

Last year, SSF reported that, as a result of taking part in the Festival: 99% of teachers agree that their students’ confidence increased, 90% of teachers said that their students were more enthusiastic about school and learning and 93% of students said that they enjoy working as a team more.

The announcement of the award came on Wednesday 11 July in the Royal Academy’s new Benjamin West Theatre. Festival schools, St Marylebone School and Greenfields Primary School, performed vignettes from Hamlet and Julius Caesar to an audience including The Japanese Ambassador to the UK and Lord Patten of Barnes, the UK’s International Advisor to the award.

Chief Executive Ruth Brock said: “On behalf of Shakespeare Schools Foundation I am deeply honoured to accept the Grant for Young Artists Award. Shakespeare is the birthright of every child. His extraordinary works with their universal themes and beautiful language can, with the right help, belong to everyone. With SSF, children make friends, do better in class and gain the skills they need for life. Further than that, art transcends borders, heals divisions, nurtures empathy and collaboration. And as the world’s greatest playwright, Shakespeare teaches us all more about what it means to be human.

In our 18th birthday year, this is a wonderful recognition of SSF’s work so far. We are deeply grateful to the Japan Art Association and are strengthened in our determination to ensure we continue to use Shakespeare to transform children’s lives.”

Charity patron Jamila Gavin who attended the morning’s announcement said: “Whenever children come into contact with Shakespeare, beyond the textbook and into performance, it is a revelation for them. No longer is it some writer of the distant past placed on a pedestal by some elite, but a man whose ideas and perceptions are constantly relevant to everyone and anyone, at any age, from any background and any culture. This is why Shakespeare Schools Foundation is so valuable and so exciting – and nothing is more exciting than seeing young people bringing fresh interpretations to plays which, of all that has ever been written in the English language, demonstrates the universality of the human condition. I am proud to be a patron of a charity that is ensuring that the next generation, no matter their ability, can experience Shakespeare in such a real and relevant way.”

SSF has to raise £1 million each year to continue its work. For more information on how to get involved visit www.shakespeareschools.org