Lynn drama students make a ‘difference’

Celebrating differences and challenging stereotypes are at the heart of a play written, directed and performed by students at a West Norfolk school.

Springwood High School staged two performances of The Difference, which was co-written by Year 8 students Elizabeth Summers and Daisy Stapleton, with the latter also directing.

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Drama teacher Samantha Burchell, who oversaw the project, said: “The Difference is based upon stereotypes in a school, looking at cool students versus not, and how two students from different groups are able to fall in love and help each other.

“This is a first-time event for the school in terms of it being completely led and written by students.”

Lead roles in the production were played by another two Year 8 students – Amalia Armalaite, who took the role of Maya, and Jack Hopgood, who played Jack.

A total of 22 students from Years 7 to 9 took part in the play, which was performed over two nights in the Drama Studio at Springwood, a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

Although entry to the performances was free, those attending were invited to make a donation towards Springfest, the school’s annual Year 8 activity fun day.

“Some students were performing to an audience for the first time, which was a big highlight,” added Mrs Burchell. 

“Another was raising money for Springfest, and for every student to enjoy the experience – performing a piece written by students and directed by students, and enjoying being a part of something that they have worked incredibly hard at, and it being a success.

“It is so important for students to build confidence, experience performing, working as a team and enjoying themselves.”