Students enjoy powerful live theatre
“After studying the play in class, it was fantastic to see the portrayal of the characters and how staging is used in the theatre to bring scenes to life"
Live theatre was experienced by Academy students in an enriching trip to Leeds Playhouse where they watched a powerful stage adaptation of Small Island.
The visit supported their English studies, as Year 9 students are exploring the text in class.
Originally written by Andrea Levy and adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson, Small Island tells the story of Jamaican migrants arriving in Britain after the Second World War, weaving together themes of identity, belonging, prejudice, and class.
Through multiple perspectives, the novel highlights the challenges faced by the Windrush generation and offers a deeply human insight into post-war Britain.
Seeing the story brought to life on stage provided students with a new and engaging way to connect with the text.
The production’s use of staging, lighting, and performance helped to deepen their understanding of key characters and relationships, making complex ideas more accessible and memorable.
Tom Curtiss, Deputy Curriculum Leader for English at Louth Academy, reflected on the impact of the experience.
“Watching Small Island at Leeds Playhouse allowed students to see the characters in a dynamic and engaging way,” he said.
“The production brought the text to life, helping students to better understand characterisation and the motivations behind each individual’s actions.”
He also highlighted the importance of the themes explored in the play.
“The play tackles significant issues such as prejudice and class, which remain highly relevant today.
“It was important for our students to engage with these themes beyond the classroom, encouraging empathy and critical thinking.”
The trip reinforced classroom learning and encouraged students to reflect on the social and historical context of the text.
Experiencing live theatre gave them a greater appreciation of how stories can be interpreted and performed, while also strengthening their analytical skills.
Students were equally enthusiastic about the visit:
Oscar said: “After studying the play in class, it was fantastic to see the portrayal of the characters and how staging is used in the theatre to bring scenes to life.”
Grace said: “The acting was fantastic and it was great to see how each character developed on the stage.”