Friday Flyer - 27th February 2026
Dear Michael Hall Community,
As it is a time of performance, I have been thinking about the role that performing plays in our school, with comparisons to how other schools create these opportunities for their pupils.
In Michael Hall School, performance is not an “extra.” It is an essential strand of our curriculum, woven carefully through the years to support the healthy development of the child. From the earliest class plays in the lower school, where children tentatively find their voices in rhyme and rhythm, to the more complex dramatic productions of the upper school, performance living, an expression of learning made visible.
Drama in our setting nurtures far more than theatrical skill. It cultivates courage, collaboration, empathy and resilience. When a child steps into a role, they must listen deeply, inhabit another perspective and work in harmony with others. They learn discipline through rehearsal, responsibility through commitment, and confidence through overcoming nerves. The stage becomes a place where intellectual understanding meets emotional intelligence and physical presence; where head, heart and hands work as one.
One of the most significant milestones in this journey is the Class 12 play. This is far more than a production; it is a rite of passage. As our eldest students stand on the threshold of adulthood, they are asked to take full ownership of a demanding piece. The process requires maturity, self-management and ensemble spirit. It is often the moment when students surprise themselves, discovering new strengths, deeper insights and a profound sense of accomplishment. For many, it is a defining memory of their time at school.
This year, our Class 12 students are proud to present Animal Farm by George Orwell. This powerful and thought-provoking work offers rich opportunities for artistic exploration and social reflection. Through its allegorical storytelling, students grapple with themes of power, responsibility, idealism and corruption; themes that feel as relevant today as ever. The depth and complexity of this text make it a fitting challenge for our graduating class, demanding nuance, emotional range and strong ensemble work.
We warmly invite our whole community to come and support this important milestone. There are still a limited number of tickets available for sale, and we would be delighted to see a full audience as our Class 12 students step into this culminating experience of their Michael Hall education.
I will be enjoying the show this evening and look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.
Warm wishes,
Stuart
Stuart McWilliams
Principal
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