ArtsEd has staged two memorable world premieres for the second year running. This year’s brand new plays have again proved a success and the third year BA Acting students enjoyed working with the writers to help shape the plays in the year-long process.

Sonny, written and directed by Deborah Bruce, ran in The Andrew Lloyd Webber Theatre from 16-20 May and was a play about the ‘haves’, the ‘have-nots’ and everyone in between.

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Deborah was delighted to work with ArtsEd students:

'As a writer/director this was a very rewarding experience. With a blank page and an open mind I met a fantastic year of committed and enthusiastic students to explore ideas and themes that resonated with us as a group. I was then able to write specifically for them, and see the project through into rehearsals for their final show, continuing to work with them on a company owned piece, as they turned into professional actors. I found there was a very satisfying sense of completion about the whole project.'  

You can still catch Philip Ridley’s The Beast of Blue Yonder – Studio Theatre, 23-27 May, 7.30pm – BOOK NOW

In 1930’s Hollywood, Tex Maverick is casting his new film. He doesn't need a great actress. He just needs someone who can scream. In 1980’s Essex, four young people enjoy a summer’s day. They play Frisbee and make plans. Then something happens that changes their lives forever. In 1960’s East London, Scott is mourning the death of his wife. He wants to talk to her again. Then he meets someone who makes that happen.

Three different stories from three different times, but all hurtling towards the same thing. The thing everyone fears the most…The Beast of Blue Yonder.

‘Very well written, intriguing and the cast were fantastic’ said Principal Jane Harrison.

While Director of Acting Gareth Farr commented:

'To witness the development of two brand new plays written by two hugely successful playwrights alongside the development of our students has been incredible. The students work with the writers for over a year, building a solid working relationship and feeding directly into the process. Their voices are woven into the fabric of these plays. This is a truly special project for both student and writer. The plays are exceptional, the knock on effects of the student experience is far reaching.'

Philip Ridley summed it all up:

I've just been on the most amazing journey. It's called Working with ArtsEd Students for Eighteen Months. Together we've explored lots of new places and experienced lots of different stories. We talked, we played, and – we as we did all these things – so I started to write. And, as I wrote, it became clear that the play was going to be a bit of an epic. Of course it was. I was surrounded by epic talent. And the play kept twisting and changing, juggling genres and different time lines, becoming more and more challenging, and every challenge I threw at the students, they rose to. They rose and they soared. The play would not have been possible without them. I have enjoyed every single moment of this Eighteen Month Journey. I wish I could do it all over again!

The BE OPEN foundation – a charitable organisation designed to foster creativity and innovation, has named the Arts Educational Schools London as one of the top five schools and colleges in the UK and one of the top 40 in Europe.

The latest report – A Review of Policy, Provision and Excellence in Arts Teaching Across Secondary Education in Europe, examines creative education in eight European countries and identifies the five strongest schools and/or colleges in each country.

BE OPEN’s aim in creating this report is to help define ‘excellence’ and recognise leadership in creative education. The ranking reveals that there are relatively few schools where one can gain a rich creative experience, however those which do recognise the potential of creative education are able to give proven argument for its approach, with pupils being more engaged and obtaining better results overall.

Jane Harrison, Principal says: “It’s fantastic to be recognised by the BE OPEN foundation, alongside such prestigious schools from within the UK and internationally. We believe that a well-rounded curriculum which incorporates the arts and creative study alongside a strong academic education gives our pupils the best preparation for their next step.”

All at ArtsEd are thrilled to have been recognised on this international platform and to be placed as a leading example of excellent provision of a creative education.