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Performing Arts

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The Performing Arts have long been the jewel in Shrewsbury’s crown.

The opening of the Barnes Theatre in 2020 has provided the school with a state-of-the-art venue, including a 240-seat auditorium, two beautiful studios for drama and dance, technical workshop space and generous front-of-house facilities. 

The heartbeat of the theatre is the passion of the students and staff who work there: a recent leaver said that Shrewsbury had given him a passion for performance that would last a lifetime.   

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Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Over the last twenty years, Shrewsbury has taken eleven original musicals to the Edinburgh Fringe, garnering 5* reviews and a prestigious Fringe First Award. We returned to the festival in 2022 with our latest new work, a musical adaptation of F.Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.  

The show had a sell-out run during its week at the Fringe, where the audience was treated to a showcase of some of the best in Salopian talent. Our pupils took to the stage and impressed with incredible acting, breathtaking singing and compelling choreography, garnering superb reviews throughout the run.  

"The individual performances keep on coming - the show is a vehicle for celebrating talents of the entire company, not just the chosen few and, my goodness, how the youngsters rose to answer the call."

My Shrewsbury Magazine Review

Barnes Theatre

The Barnes Theatre Auditorium (250 capacity) is an intimate setting for plays, rehearsals, lectures and workshops and is complete with a full lighting rig and PA system. Unveiled in 2020 before an official opening in 2022 by revered actor and Old Salopian Sir Michael Palin, Barnes has played host to over ten shows annually, including whole school plays and musicals, house plays, new writing and student-directed work.

Home to two state-of-the-art drama and dance studios, technical workshop space and generous front-of-house facilities, Performing Arts continue to be the jewel in Shrewsbury's crown. All of our productions are supported by a student technical team, who are trained and supported by two full-time technicians.

Drama

Dance

John Weaver Dance Festival

Shrewsbury School is delighted to play host to the John Weaver Dance Festival.

In celebration of Weaver, who is considered the Father of English Ballet, we host a series of events to celebrate the ‘dancing master’ of Shrewsbury.

Latest Performing Arts News

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