In class, Year 12 Drama students have been exploring the work of Theatre de Complicité and researched the story of John Darwin, the canoe man who famously tried to fake his own death in 2002 but turned up alive and faking amnesia in 2007. Our practical project will be to dramatise this story, employing the rehearsal techniques used by Complicité.

This has led us to puppetry to reinforce actor collaboration and foster a sense of collective creativity. We have used a series of National Theatre videos to help build and bring to life a basic puppet frame.

Meanwhile, Year 12 and 13 Drama students have been to the Ambassador’s Theatre to watch Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder.

Kathy and Stella are two Hull based friends who host a weekly murder podcast. The two oddballs are soon embroiled in their own murder mystery and vow to catch the killer themselves. Highlights include a hilarious dance routine set in a morgue and the delivery of this small cast's quirky interpretation of a range of unusual characters. Bronte Barbe and Rebekah Hinds are exceptional in role as social outcasts and best friends, Kathy and Stella. There is little in the way of big budget scenery but the story is fun, despite the dark themes, and the songs are hilarious. (It's 12+ so watch out for some mature lyrics!)