Three Year 13  BTEC Performing Arts are about to demonstrate all they have learnt during their two year course by 'going it alone' and mounting their own production.  

The Pillowman is a 2003 play by Irish playwright Martin McDonagh. It received its first public reading in an early version at the Finborough Theatre, London, in 1995. It tells the tale of Katurian, a fiction writer living in a police state who is interrogated about the gruesome content of his short stories, and their similarities to a number of bizarre child murders occurring in his town. The play received the 2004 Olivier Award for Best New Play, the 2004-5 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best New Foreign Play, and two Tony Awards for production. It was nominated for the 2004 Evening Standard Award for Best New Play

The fledgling production company comprises Rob Gregson and Jack Bickerdike with recruits Chris Newby (Year 11) and Joe Wells (Year 10).  Inspiration came from a 20 minutes extract from the play performed when studying for GCSE Drama when it was decided to built on that experience.  The students are acting, directing and promoting this venture themselves with no teacher intervention.  Rob Gregson has received an offer from Bournemouth University to study for a B.A. (Hons) in acting, with ambitions to become a professional actor,  and Jack Bickersdike has a Performing Arts placement at Blackpool & Fylde College.

Performances 25th and 27th June at LSA Technology & Performing Arts College, 6.45 for a 7.00 start.  The content and language of this dark comedy makes it unsuitable for people under 14 years of age. Tickets (£4.00) can be obtained direct from Rob on 0786 047 9682 or at the school reception.

Rob Gregson said "It has been a brilliant experience and we have learned such a lot.  To be able to put into practise all we have studied, be given brilliant rehearsal and performance facilities for free,  and perform before an audience.  is massively appreciated."

Danell Dearden, Head of Expressive & Performing Arts, said "This has been a great opportunity for students across three year groups to work together.  They have been totally independent in their pursuit to create this excellent piece of performance work.  We are really pleased that they are making good use of their schools resources and sharing their work with the local community.