We were delighted to be joined by professional actor and Old Savilian, Adam Cunis who left QEGS in 2007 and now works with The Globe Theatre in London as part of the Education Department.

After studying a Master’s degree in Staging Shakespeare at University of Exeter, Adam has worked in several theatre productions of Shakespeare including: the National Theatre’s Live Production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Earthbound Immersive production of Macbeth, Top Edge Theatre’s Hamlet and Time Zone Theatre’s Othello. 

He led workshops with Year 13 English Literature students focusing on The Tempest, one of their prescribed texts for their A-Level course. Adam prompted discussion on the nature of theatrical storytelling, how to use one’s voice as a tool to express emotion, intent and the importance of body language.

Students then worked in pairs to go through three scenes in the play: experimenting with different tones of voice, rhythm and pitch, and using body language and movements to clearly convey meaning. Adam and students discussed the themes of colonialism, race and power which are addressed throughout the play; then shared ideas about how to convey these themes through their performances. 

The workshop was a brilliant opportunity to bring the Shakespeare text to life and help students understand the context and meaning behind the scenes which will be invaluable knowledge to recall in their A-Level examinations. 

We are extremely grateful to Adam for returning to Wakefield Grammar School Foundation to deliver these engaging workshops, and for inspiring our students to get engaged with the literature they are reading through drama. 

Mrs A Fitzsimons 

Head of English at QEGS