Over the past two weeks, Walton Academy has been transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity as the acclaimed Box Clever Theatre Company took up residency. The programme, which culminated yesterday in a full production of A Christmas Carol, has provided students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of professional theatre.
Since Monday 23 September, students from various year groups have actively participated in workshops and drop-in sessions, gaining hands-on experience in acting, characterisation, and theatrical techniques. The residency concluded with a captivating performance of A Christmas Carol to a packed theatre, where students were able to witness firsthand how a classic literary text is brought to life on stage.
A nation-wide tour of A Christmas Carol
Box Clever Theatre will continue to perform A Christmas Carol in schools and theatres across the country, giving even more students the opportunity to experience live theatre. Theatre director, Hal Chambers, praised the support at Walton Academy, stating, “The support from the staff and the school has been the best we’ve received. We’ve been incredibly well looked after, and the facilities here are amazing. It’s been wonderful to work in such a safe and creative space, where we can test our work with the students and engage in a truly collaborative exchange. The students’ excitement has been inspiring, and I hope this experience encourages them to return to the theatre in the future.”
A rare learning opportunity
The residency has been an extraordinary learning experience for students. Year 11 drama students participated in workshops focusing on acting and character development, while year 9 and 10 students explored key theatrical devices. Post 16 students enjoyed exclusive ‘clever pass access’, allowing them to drop in on rehearsals and observe the professional process in real-time.
Principal Jess Leonard reflected on the collaboration: “Hosting Box Clever Theatre has been an incredible opportunity for our students to bridge their academic studies with real-world theatre. They not only engaged in workshops but also provided feedback on the production, gaining deeper insights into the characters and themes of A Christmas Carol. Students were able to witness the technical side of theatre in action, sparking interest in backstage roles as well. We are deeply grateful to Box Clever for bringing this experience to our school.”
The residency, which aligned with the KS4 English curriculum for A Christmas Carol, has enriched students’ understanding of the text, showing them how theatre can transform the written word into a powerful live experience.
Walton Academy looks forward to welcoming Box Clever back in the future and continuing to provide students with enriching educational experiences.