Doncaster: Discover the Spirit

Shortlist Drama Workshop

On Tuesday, 19th February, enthusiastic readers and budding thespians from Don Valley and Ridgewood Schools came together for a day-long drama workshop, based on the six short-listed books from the Doncaster Book Award.

The day began with a whole-group discussion on the titles themselves, which are all very different types of book. All agreed that this is part of the charm of the DBA – taking part makes you pick up and read books you would otherwise avoid! Many of those present had done just that, and in some cases enjoyed the books immensely. All of the books on the shortlist have some good features, though none appealed to absolutely everyone present.

We then moved on to the drama activities, and the work produced was of a very high standard indeed, and a real pleasure to watch. Some of the activities involved paired work, where students had the choice to perform a scene from ‘Dani’s Diary’, where Dani and her grandmother discuss the re-marriage of Dani’s mother, and the changes this would bring. The second paired activity was an early scene from ‘Skullduggery Pleasant’, where Stephanie meets Skullduggery for the very first time. Each interpretation was unique, placing emphasis in different areas, so that we all gained a real insight into the characters in the stories.

In the group work, the hospital scene at the start of ‘Beware, Killer Tomatoes’, already very funny, was given some additional, brilliantly humorous touches by our performers. Some of the interpretations of the characters of Jack and his little brother in particular were really excellent! ‘Blood Beast’ also gave rise to some genuinely creepy and original takes on the character of Grubbs as he runs through the forest like a hunted animal.

Work on ‘Ottoline and the Yellow Cat’ allowed for some inventive physical drama, as the groups worked together to re-create some of the fabulous illustrations, and the dinner party scene from ’The London Eye Mystery’ also produced some great work. All of the students worked really well together, and none declined to perform in front of the whole group, in spite of some initial nerves.

Towards the end of the day the focus shifted to creative writing, and all of the students wrote a diary entry in character as one of the characters we’d worked on over the course of the day. The hope is that we some of these can be expanded and entered into the creative writing competition element of the book award.

All in all a great time was had by all, staff as well as students! I know I felt quite inspired at the end of the afternoon! Here are some of the comments made by the students with regard to how their work on the day affected their attitudes to the books themselves:

Ben, Y9, Ridgewood:

‘I have enjoyed today because not only did I act, I have encountered some new and extraordinary books’

Samantha, Y9 Don Valley:

‘After going through the books today with Dave, I have changed my mind about Skullduggery Pleasant and I might read it’ (Sam normally avoids horror books!)

Bethany, Y7, Ridgewood:

I think today went really well because I wouldn’t have looked twice at two of the books, but now I want to read them’

Fiona, Y9, Don Valley:

‘This day has really inspired me’

Luke Etheridge, Y8 Don Valley:

‘I really enjoyed today, especially ‘Beware, Killer Tomatoes’, as I would never have read that before today

Rebecca, Y7, Ridgewood:

‘When I looked at ‘Dani’s Diary’ I thought it would be babyish and boring but now we’ve talked about it I changed my mind. When we get back to Ridgewood I will rent it out if it’s there.

Matthew,Y7 Ridgewood:

‘Ottoline and the Yellow Cat’ seemed that it was a baby book before I came today, but the pictures have changed my mind because they are so detailed and funny…..These events are GREAT!!!!’

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