Old Vic Schools Club 4 - 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'

Old Vic Schools Club 4 - 2025-26

Throughout this academic year, we have carried on our partnership with a world-famous West End theatre - the Old Vic. We are proud to be a member of the Old Vic Schools Club, an exclusive grouping with only 40 state secondary schools taking part. During 2025-26, Isleworthians will receive four workshops from the theatre as well as attend four West End shows – for free!

After enjoying 'Mary Page Marlowe', 'A Christmas Carol' and 'Arcadia', students headed to the Old Vic again  for the fourth production - 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest', starring Aaron Pierre, Giles Terera and Olivia Williams. The theatre's website describes the show as a "searing exploration of colonialism and the social structures built to silence dissent." A heavy-hitting and powerful journey, this production was held "in the round", meaning that the actors could interact with the audience. Students had a fantastic time, with one stating, "I think seeing the play really helped me to improve my understanding of theatre."

The fourth workshop with staff from the theatre helped drive home the play's complex themes. This workshop focused on sound, with students using iPads and microphones to record and edit their own sound design before using a cueing app to learn about sound cues - making sure the right sound appears at the right time! It was another fantastic session, helping students learn about a new aspect of stagecraft as well as deepending their understanding of the play.