By Mrs Horton (Drama Teacher)

On Thursday 18th June, Years 6, 7 and 8 enjoyed a truly memorable trip to London's Gillian Lynne Theatre to see the acclaimed stage production of My Neighbour Totoro.

After an exciting journey to the capital, students were treated to a spectacular performance that brought the beloved Studio Ghibli story to life. From the moment the curtain rose, the audience was captivated by the stunning set design, imaginative puppetry and beautiful music. The production combined creativity, storytelling and technical theatre in a way that inspired everyone who attended.

Many were particularly impressed by the magical creatures, including the larger-than-life Totoro himself. The skilful puppeteers and actors worked seamlessly together, creating a world that felt both enchanting and believable. The production demonstrated the power of live theatre to transport audiences into new and exciting worlds.

Throughout the evening, our students represented the school exceptionally well. Their thoughtful engagement with the performance were a credit to both themselves and the school. It was wonderful to hear pupils discussing the themes, characters and theatrical techniques on the journey home.

For many students, the trip provided a valuable opportunity to experience professional theatre in one of London's leading venues. It also offered inspiration for their own creative work, highlighting the importance of imagination, collaboration and storytelling within the performing arts.

A huge thank you goes to all staff who helped organise and supervise the visit, making the event such a success. We hope this experience will encourage many of our young people to continue exploring theatre and the arts in the future.

It was a magical evening, filled with wonder and unforgettable moments, one that our girls will remember for a long time to come.