Highlights from Performing Arts

Gothic: A Hauntingly Brilliant Start to the Performance Year

After only four weeks of rehearsals, we proudly presented our first show of the year—an exciting opportunity to welcome our new Year 7 students onto the stage!

In preparation for Halloween, we created a showcase inspired by 1980s Gothic music and dance. In total, we performed 20 pieces, ranging from “Happy House” by Siouxsie and the Banshees to “Ghosts” by Japan.

Each year group performed their own choreographed dance, alongside a selection of impressive solos and duets. The whole cast also came together for group vocal pieces. Altogether, 80 students took part in the show, performing to a full audience of around 230 parents and friends.

It was a fantastic way to begin the year for our new Year 7 performers—and it’s clear we have some incredible talent among them!

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Reimagined: Three Distinct Productions, One Sold-Out Show

During half term, we took three separate casts—around 70 students in total—to the Hounslow Arts Centre to perform a trio of A Midsummer Night’s Dream productions.

Each cast presented its own unique interpretation of Shakespeare’s much-loved play. One performance offered a traditional “fairies and lovers” version, another explored a darker take centred on obsession and fear, and the final production reimagined the story through dance, focusing on the lovers and their “dream.” Each piece lasted around 40 minutes and brought together students from different key stages.

As always, the theatre was sold out! It was a fantastic opportunity to introduce our new Year 7 students to Performing Arts at Chiswick School, while also giving our older students the chance to perform in a professional theatre setting.

KS4 & KS5 Shine in Mono Dance Song Showcase at the Tabard

Immediately after half term, we put on an impromptu performance at the Tabard Theatre. The evening featured a vibrant mix of monologues, songs, and dances devised by our KS4 and KS5 BTEC Performing Arts students.

Students performed an exciting range of material, from Stoppard and Shakespeare to Michael Jackson and Monty Python.

In front of a full house, the students delivered confident, skilful performances and demonstrated that they are more than ready for a very busy year ahead.

Chiswick School Shortlisted for Outstanding Drama Department at 2026 National Awards

We are delighted to announce that Chiswick School has been shortlisted for Outstanding Drama Department at the 2026 Drama and Music in Education Awards. This prestigious national award recognises the very best schools in the UK and celebrates excellence across performance, curriculum innovation, and student outcomes.

Our nomination reflects not only our extraordinary performance repertoire—an impressive 25 shows each year—but also the strength of our curriculum and the exceptional achievements of our KS4 and KS5 students. We are incredibly proud that our onward destinations include a 100% success rate for Drama School and university entry.

The finals will take place in February next year—wish us luck!