Exploring London Through Theatre: Highlights from the KTJ x LITA Residency

London called and we answered!  

It is difficult to sum up in words the overwhelming experience had by all at our London Residential organised by the amazing LITA.  

The students and staff were treated to the professional world of West End theatre through the eyes of artists working in the industry. From lead actors in ‘Moulin Rouge’ and ‘Hadestown’ to the Associate Director from ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’.   

Two of the most memorable moments were the screen acting workshop where the students explored film acting in scenes from ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘The Hunger Games’, and a two-hour singing workshop with Hayley, lead singer from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, who within 30 minutes created beautiful sounds from our terrific young people. Her enthusiasm and joy for singing had the students engaged throughout the workshop.   

We had the pleasure of seeing five West End productions which took us into the world of Musical Theatre, Immersive Theatre, Traditional Farce, anime and extraordinary design on stage (the pupils gasped at the sight of Totoro on stage!).  

We also had many chances just to explore the wonderful sights of London, from Buckingham Palace to a trip on the London Eye. The sun even shone for most of the week, allowing us to walk and soak in all that the city has to offer.  

The artists who worked with the students from KTJ spoke of their astonishing commitment to all parts of the trip, and we were proud of them throughout.  

‘The trip to London was a dream come true. It was filled with unforgettable experiences of live theatre, including My Neighbour Totoro and Witness for the Prosecution. The performances and immersive settings were truly amazing. Beyond the theatre, I explored iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye, which made the journey even more special. Overall, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, thanks to supportive teachers and LITA’. 

Anargya, year 9 student. 

‘Our London residential trip was an exciting and memorable experience. We visited famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, and the British Museum. Seeing these iconic places with my own eyes was amazing. I also learned a lot about the history and culture of London, and the trip left a lasting impression on me. 

We watched several West End shows, including Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Hadestown, Witness for the Prosecution, The Play That Goes Wrong, and My Neighbour Totoro. The sets of Moulin Rouge! were stunning, with bright red curtains, sparkling lights, balconies, and a giant elephant on stage, creating a magical Parisian atmosphere. Hadestown was so empowering that it moved the audience to tears. Seeing such professional performances inspired me and showed the incredible talent involved in theatre. 

During the trip, we also took part in workshops with professionals from the shows. We explored dance, singing, and clowning, which helped us develop skills we can use in the future. 

This trip was especially meaningful for me because we travelled overseas without our parents, relying on ourselves. We had to be more independent and responsible, learning to manage our time and support one another. The experience was unforgettable and taught us lessons we will carry with us for a long time’.  

Jan, year 9 student.