We are exceptionally proud of the Year 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 students that took part in this year’s special 25th anniversary national Shakespeare Schools’ Festival at the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury on Wednesday 5th November 2025. We presented our contemporary adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing blended with a unique Moulin Rouge stylised twist in an attempt to shake up Shakespeare. We were proud and honoured to share the stage with three other companies from Bournside and Cleeve School, further promoting the excellence within the Performing Arts across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire.
Our academy students lit up the stage and came to life as the closing school with their performance resulting in audience members beaming over how ambitious, bold, creative and joyful it was. Thanks to our Greatest Showman Master of Ceremonies and the sultry antics of our ‘Soul Sisters’, we were able to retell one of William Shakespeare’s most famous comedies and love stories, centred around the ‘Posh and Becks of literature’ Beatrice and Benedick.
The dedication, professionalism and tenacity of our students continues to astound us as they took to the stage as the formidable actors and actresses that they are. This industry based intensive experience aims to challenge students to thrive under pressure in a professional environment as a theatre company. It was clear how much the entire cast and crew aspire to excellence and we are immensely impressed with these ambassadors representing our academy in such an ambitious way.
The ASA’s entry to the Shakespeare Schools’ Festival is always a highlight of the year and we are so pleased that this legacy lives on.
