St Edmund's

Drama Scholars Set Sail on an Epic Journey

St Edmund’s Drama Scholars are preparing to embark on an unforgettable theatrical voyage with a bold new production of Homer’s The Odyssey, performed for one night only on 26 March.

This timeless epic follows the perilous journey of Odysseus as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War, facing monsters, gods, temptations and tests of loyalty along the way. It is a story of endurance, identity and the cost of heroism, told across seas both literal and emotional.

Audiences should not expect a traditional retelling. This production reimagines The Odyssey through a highly physical and contemporary lens, drawing on performance techniques developed by Grotowski, Frantic Assembly, Kneehigh and Declan Donnellan. Music, dance and expressive movement collide with moments of hyper-naturalistic acting, creating a fast-paced, whirlwind experience. Modern references are deliberately interrupted by striking images drawn from ancient Greek culture, allowing the old and the new to clash powerfully on stage.

As a true Drama Scholars showcase, the cast spans Year 9 to Year 13, with the majority of the school’s 57 scholars involved in the production. This ambitious scale reflects both the inclusive ethos of the programme and the exceptional commitment of the students.

The production is created and directed by St Edmund’s new drama teacher, Robert McCrea, who brings extensive experience in theatre-making and performance, with a particular focus on physical theatre and ensemble-led work.

Speaking about the production, McCrea said he is “overjoyed” to be working at St Edmund’s, a school whose performances over the past three decades have consistently impressed with their professional standard. He described it as a privilege to collaborate with such “extraordinarily talented and hard-working students,” supported by “amazing and committed colleagues.”

With its epic scale, innovative style and one-night-only performance, The Odyssey promises to be a landmark event in the St Edmund’s theatrical calendar.