Latin Lessons Come to Life: Year 8 Trip to Hercules in the West End
By Poppy R and Amity M, Year 8
Last Thursday, our school had the exciting opportunity to take 50 Year 8 students on a classics trip to see the new musical Hercules at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The production was an incredible version of Disney’s Hercules, following him as he completes seemingly impossible challenges he faces on his journey to becoming a god and how he has to choose between immortality and love.
The musical brought the ancient myth to life through spectacular staging, wonderful costumes, and incredibly talented actors. Watching a story we had studied in lessons performed live on stage made the experience even more fun, and many students agreed that learning outside the classroom made the myth far more memorable and enjoyable.
One of the most impressive aspects of the show was their use of puppetry and choreography. The creative puppets paired with the dramatic dances, helped bring mythical creatures to life, and the really fun and memorable songs filled the theatre with excitement and delight. The Muses were a particular highlight, with their humour, and powerful vocals. Everyone loved their jokes, dances and of course their hair.
Students also really enjoyed all the comedy throughout the performance, with many jokes causing laughter across the entire theatre (as well as on stage!). By the end of the show, the music and atmosphere had everyone laughing and singing along.
Overall, our trip to see Hercules was a memorable evening, and it was an incredible way to experience both theatre and classics in an entertaining way. We all really hope to go see something like this again as it was by far a highlight of Latin and also school this year, and a really big thanks to all the teachers that made it possible!