Pupils rehearsing for next weeks Festival. Taken from The Royal Grammar School.

Royal Grammar School is set to host its second drama repertory festival from the 4^th to the 14^th of February

Pupils of different ages will perform four plays from a range of authors and periods at the PAC theatre, Jesmond.

The first production is of Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge, on the 4^th, 6th and 8^th of February.

The play depicts themes of honour and morality, drawing upon Aristotle’s theories of downfall.

The pupils plan to add their own touches to the performance, including live music from the pupil orchestras.

The second play, an adaptation of William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies, will feature an alternative twist in which female pupils perform male roles. RGS headmaster Bernard Trafford said the pupils were “breaking new ground” by using both genders within the cast.

The novel examines the morality of a group of boys who are removed from civilisation when stranded on a desert island.

Pupils will perform the play on the 5^th and 7^th of February.

The most recent work is Mugged, a new play to be performed on 11^th and 13^th of February, looking at representations of danger and truth.

Finally, pupils will perform Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus on 12^th and 14^th of February, an exploration of jealousy against genius. The play is not advised for young children due to adult content and language.

The four works come from a range of periods, with Mugged yet to be released, in contrast to Lord of the Flies, written in 1954.

The narratives consist of contrasting themes ranging from morality to fame.

Headmaster Trafford told JesmondLocal: “We are hugely excited by this latest mountain that we have set ourselves to climb.”

All of the plays start at 7pm and require an advanced booking. If you would like to reserve tickets, or want further information on the festival you can email RGS’s Performing Arts manager Jill Graham J.Graham@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk or telephone on: 0191 2128930.