The Bulmershe English Department brings Jekyll and Hyde to life

At The Bulmershe School, we are always looking for innovative ways to support our Year 11 students as they prepare for their GCSE examinations. This week, our English department demonstrated their commitment to student success by staging a fast-paced, live performance of Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Visual Learning and Plot Mastery

Understanding the complex themes and narrative structure of a 19th-century novel can be challenging. To provide a memorable visual summary, our teachers stepped out of their traditional roles and onto the stage. By delivering a condensed, high-energy synopsis of the plot, the department aimed to provide students with a "mental map" of the story that will be invaluable when they sit their English Literature papers this summer.

The performance saw staff members take on multiple roles, utilising home-made props and costumes to bring the story to life. Ms Wray and Miss McNamara shared the roles of Jekyll and his alter ego, Hyde, while Mr Whearity provided a surprise turn as a landlady. Even the architecture of the novel was represented, with Dr Smith acting as the "sinister door" that features so prominently in the opening chapters!

Collaboration and Community

A key part of the Bulmershe ethos is the strong relationship between staff and students. This was illustrated when Year 11 student Noah B was called upon to join the cast at the last second, donned a dress without question and proceeded to be attacked by Miss McNamara (as Mr Hyde). Thank you Noah!

The narrative was guided by Mrs Zalaki, while Mr Francis, playing Mr Utterson, kept the audience groaning with a series of bad puns. Mrs Edwards "managed" the technical side of the production, trying to find relevant background imagery to help illustrate the historical context of the novella despite the typical hurdles of live performance. These hitches just added to the general choas and hilarity of the show. 

Beyond the Classroom

While the primary goal was to aid revision, the event also served as a reminder of the vibrant and supportive community at our school. We believe that when students see their teachers "putting themselves out there" to support their learning, it fosters a positive and collaborative environment. This 30-minute performance combined essential curriculum knowledge with an entertaining format that we are sure the Year 11s will remember long after their exams are over.