The Crucible at Shakespeare's Globe - May 2025
GCSE Drama students were given the incredible opportunity to see a performance of The Crucible by Arthur Miller, the set text they study for Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice, at one of the world’s most famous and prestigious theatre venues, Shakespeare’s Globe. For some of these students and staff, it was their first time visiting this venue, and it was fascinating to think that the stage used is a modern reconstruction of the one used in Shakespeare’s time over 400 years ago!
The performance itself explored themes of mass hysteria and ruthless judgement through the Salem witch trials of Massachusetts in 1692, but also drew parallels with The Red Scare and communism of the 1950s (when the play was written), whilst also remaining incredibly relevant today. It saw actors using not only the whole stage but moving in amongst the audience in the groundling area, as well as raised platforms, extending the action and performance space for the audience.
As a result of the trip, students gained a valuable insight into how all the design elements of costume, lighting, set and sound are put together, alongside the acting, to bring a performance to life from page to stage.