New Term, New Production, New Challenge

New Term, New Production, New Challenge – Drama at Abbot’s Hill

A new school year always brings with it fresh opportunities, and here at Abbot’s Hill nothing captures that sense of excitement more than the start of our Senior School production. This year we are thrilled to be staging the gloriously quirky and wonderfully witty musical ‘The Addams Family‘.

Cross Year Group Collaboration

One of the most rewarding aspects of working on a production of this scale is how it unites students from across the Senior School. Year groups who might not normally cross paths come together to collaborate, support one another, and share the highs (and the occasional lows!) of the rehearsal process. From the first read-through to the final curtain call, every rehearsal is a chance to build friendships, learn new skills, and experience what it really means to be part of a team.

Rehearsal Process

Putting on a musical of this size is a huge undertaking, and the process itself is just as important as the final performance. Rehearsals begin with the fundamentals: reading through the script, starting to understand character, and breaking the story down into manageable scenes. From there we move into blocking, where every movement, gesture, and interaction is carefully shaped to bring the script to life. Alongside this, lines must be learnt, songs rehearsed, and choreography layered in until acting, singing and dancing begin to flow together seamlessly. As directors, it is our role to guide students through these different stages, helping them to build confidence and stretch their skills while ensuring all the elements are pulled together into a coherent whole. This year I am also excited to collaborate with our new Drama teacher, Mrs Boswell, who brings fresh ideas and another creative voice into the rehearsal room. Working together as a Drama team is one of the best parts of the job and gives our students the benefit of different perspectives and approaches.

Of course, no production comes without its challenges. Line learning can feel like climbing a mountain, blocking scenes requires patience and precision, and mastering choreography demands both focus and stamina. Yet time and again, our students rise to the occasion. There is always a special buzz in the rehearsal room, that unmistakable mixture of determination, laughter, and anticipation that builds as opening night draws near – almost like a ghostly presence creeping closer with every rehearsal!

Cross Departmental Collaboration

This year our production has also become a truly cross-departmental project. We are delighted to be working closely with the Art Department to design and create our costumes and makeup, bringing The Addams Family’s iconic look to life. Alongside this, our Music teachers Ms Matosovic and Mr Harrison, are ensuring our cast sings with confidence and expression, while our Dance teacher, Mrs Snaylam, is helping to shape choreography that brings energy and character to the stage.

Our talented Theatre Technician, Mr Winkworth, is also playing a vital role in helping us realise our vision through imaginative set design, lighting, sound and special effects. These technical elements will add an extra layer of magic to the production and bring the world of the Addams family to life on stage.

Productions of this scale are a genuine team effort across the whole school. From the marketing that builds anticipation, to senior staff stepping in as front of house hosts, ticket sellers and programme distributors on the night, it is a collective celebration of creativity, organisation and community spirit.

Building Anticipation

Although the production does not take to the stage until February, the months ahead will fly by and opening night will be here before we know it. As Director of Drama, I am always reminded during this process why school productions are so important. They are more than performances. They are shared experiences that build resilience, nurture creativity, and celebrate what can be achieved when we work together.

We cannot wait to share The Addams Family with you. It’s a show full of laughter, heart and just the right amount of spooky charm. After all, when you’re part of the Addams family, a little darkness makes the light shine even brighter…

Finally, a heartfelt thank you must go to all staff and parents who support us along the way. Whether it’s helping with costumes at home, encouraging line learning, or lending a hand on performance nights, your involvement makes a huge difference and helps create the sense of community that makes productions like this possible.

Ms Stow
Director of Drama