Moreton Hall Continues to Produce Leading Ladies

Academic

For more than a century, Moreton Hall’s Drama department has helped pupils find their voice, on stage and beyond.

In 2026, that tradition is still going strong, with productions now being staged at The Holroyd Community Theatre, the school’s professional-standard performance space. It’s here that pupils take on ambitious work, learning not just how to perform, but how to collaborate, create their own theatre, and adapt under pressure.

The school’s Drama department is now ranked among the top 1% nationally for results and was recently shortlisted as an ‘Outstanding Drama Department’ by the Music and Drama Awards, with pupils regularly progressing to leading drama schools and universities.

Moreton Hall’s commitment to the study of Drama, stretching back 113 years, can be seen in the careers of former pupils.

Jemma Moore is one example. Her work spans independent film and major productions, from ‘The Double’ alongside Paddy Considine, directed by Richard Ayoade, to appearances in ‘Wonder Woman’. Alongside acting, she has developed her own work as a producer and director. Her film ‘All of Me’ premiered at Cannes and went on to receive international recognition. She also drew widespread attention for her role in ‘Host’, and has more recently appeared in ITV’s ‘Red Eye’.

Another former pupil, Sheila Reid, has built a career spanning decades. As an original member of the Royal National Theatre, she performed alongside Laurence Olivier in ‘Othello’, before appearing in films such as ‘Brazil’ and later becoming widely known for her role in ITV’s ‘Benidorm’.

The school’s creative arts influence reaches beyond performance, too. Professor Ebun Clark has played a significant role in shaping theatre studies in Nigeria through her work at the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos.

Head of Drama, Michael Jenkins, sees the department’s success as both a continuation and a renewal:

“It is an honour to continue the longstanding tradition of drama excellence at Moreton Hall. Meeting Ebun Clark at a recent alumni event was particularly inspiring; her insight and memories of the school’s creative life were extraordinary.

Showing her our current facilities and clips from our pupils’ work, and seeing her response, was a reminder that while much has changed, that sense of ambition and creativity is still very much at the heart of what we do.”

Current pupil, Holly, has received offers to study at Manchester Theatre School, Rose Bruford College and the University of Manchester. For her, Drama at Moreton has been about more than performance:

“Drama at Moreton has given me the confidence to take this step into the industry. The support and opportunities here have been incredible, and I’m so excited for what comes next.

“I joined the school in Year 8 with very little experience, but quickly became involved in productions and performance opportunities through the Face2Face Academy, gaining valuable time on stage, and making amazing memories.”

With a strong sense of its past and a clear direction for the future, Drama at Moreton Hall continues to support pupils as they grow into confident, creative individuals, wherever their path leads next.