Being named the country’s most dynamic performing arts school in recent media awards shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who has attended a Bryanston Arts event this year. And what better way to celebrate the School’s creative and performing arts than through BryFest, a week-long major performance platform held during the final week of term.
The festival brought the whole Bryanston community together, allowing pupils to showcase their skills, not just in drama, music, film and dance, but also in choreography, technical and dramatic direction, lighting and stage management and design. The festival included a range of drama, classical and rock band performances, dance shows, film shows, social events and DJ sets.
Highlights included the renowned end of term Dance Show performance of “A night with the Stars.” This brought together dancers from across all year groups and styles, creating an evening of dance and live music that captivated a packed Coade Hall audience. A collection of group and solo performances demonstrated the immense talent of our pupils.
The outdoor promenade performance of “Grimm’s Fairy Tales” celebrated the traditional folk and fairy tales of the Grimm Brothers. Performed by a large cast of Year 9 (D) and Year 10 (C) pupils, it began in the Greek Theatre and led the audience through multiple woodland locations around Bryanston, bringing dark and mythical stories to life. Featuring well-known characters such as Little Red Cap, Snow White and Rumpelstiltskin, the audience enjoyed a magical storytelling promenade in the glorious summer evening sunshine.
Mr Fowler-Watt’s production of “The End” was first written and produced twenty-five years ago and updated for the new Year 12 (A3) cast. The play followed a group of friends who head down to a cottage in Dorset to celebrate the end of their A Levels.
As one of the group attempts to make a reality TV-style documentary of their time together, their weekend evolves both on stage and on screen. What began as a fun weekend, relaxing on the beach and in the pub, disintegrates into arguments and upsets as the play reaches a tense and dramatic climax. The intense focus and commitment of each performer produced an impressive theatrical experience.
BryFilm presented a collection of short films made by pupils at Bryanston. Screened on Coade Hall’s Big Screen, the films varied in length and included examples of suspense, comedy, music, coming of age, documentary, rockumentary and mockumentary genres, as well as a few films that defied categorisation!
To celebrate a superb year of Music, the end of term Ensemble Concert showcased some of the Music Department’s instrumental and vocal groups, including the Orchestra, Camerata, Concert Band, Steel Pans, School Choir and Year 9 (D) and Year 10 (C) Choir.
The summer bands gig returned to the outdoor quad with The Soul Band and Big Band also performing, providing a huge sound to complement the summer sunshine. The performance included a variety of styles and genres from our school bands, featuring songs from Sade, Ed Sheeran, Queen, The Killers and many more.
The Annual Summer Art Exhibition was an opportunity for pupils to showcase their work across year groups and various courses. While there was a focus on the achievements of Year 13 (A2) pupils, many of whom are going on to study Art, the exhibition also highlighted the emerging talent of our younger years. The exhibition included Photography, Fine Art, 3D and IB work.
The Annual D&T Exhibition provided another opportunity for pupils to display their creativity and skill. On display were a wide variety of ECA-related outcomes and projects, including this year’s Greenpower Cars.
BryFest is a wonderful annual event that showcases the talent of Bryanston’s pupils in the creative and performing arts – the perfect celebration to mark the end of the academic year.
