After a successful run of the musical 'We Will Rock You', the Drama Department are now setting their sights on Shakespeare's Hamlet for next year's school production. In 2025, the Dame Judi Dench Theatre celebrates 30 years since its opening, so it only seemed fitting for the students to perform the iconic play, which the legendary actress made her first professional stage appearance in.  In September 1957, Judi performed as Ophelia in Hamlet with the Old Vic Company at the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool.

In April (2024), our Drama department were extremely fortunate to have two high profile guests on their casting panel for the upcoming senior drama production.  Head of Drama, Ms Witts and Drama teacher, Miss Roberts were joined by the noted actor, theatre critic, author and director Richard Vergette, as well as Andy Feetom, a professional actor who has appeared in favourite TV shows such as 'All Creatures Great and Small'.

Hamlet is currently planned for Wednesday 5th until Saturday 8th March 2025, and will be a full senior production, presented in the Judi Dench Theatre, featuring students from Years 10 - 13.

The production will be set in the 1995; the year the theatre opened and will feature the acting and dance talents of the students against a contemporary soundtrack.  As with We Will Rock You, the production has a strong student technical team; providing opportunities for students to undertake roles and responsibilities behind the scenes and in the tech box; assisting with sound, lighting projections, stage management, costumes and props and film capture.

We are very excited to present a very special, anniversary production of 'Hamlet', through which a cast and crew of over 50 Hymers students will be able to share and develop their creative skills through theatre technologies, acting and dance. We look forward to presenting a contemporary, relatable and exciting production with which we can celebrate both the rich tradition of Drama at Hymers College and indeed the Dame Judi Dench Theatre.

Ms Sally Witts, Head of Drama

We recently contacted Judi Dench about the opening of the theatre and she sent a lovely response in return:

How lovely to have photos to remind me of the day. It was the only time I ever visited Hull, which is shocking for a Yorkshire girl to say that!! I hope Hymers is thriving and thank you again for getting in touch.

Judi Dench, February 2024

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