School Life
Performing Arts
Drama
We believe in the power of the spotlight. Time and time again, we see our pupils step onto the stage with newfound confidence and remarkable presence, dazzling their audiences and often surprising themselves.
Our Simkins Performing Arts Centre offers a wealth of opportunities to act, sing, dance and perform. The Drama building features a large, open-plan teaching and performance space, complete with a spacious raised stage—perfect for bringing productions to life. Behind the scenes, pupils have access to a well-stocked costume and wardrobe store, as well as a dedicated lighting and sound booth, giving them a full experience of theatre production.
Drama is part of the curriculum from Year 7, where it is introduced through our Middle Years non-core subject carousels, giving every pupil a foundation in performance and creative expression, developing teamwork skills, communication skills and building confidence. As they progress, pupils can opt to study Drama at GCSE level, and those with a particular passion for the subject may choose BTEC Performing Arts in the Sixth Form. Classroom learning is regularly enriched through day and evening theatre visits, adding variety, cultural insight and the thrill of live performance. We also regularly welcome visiting professionals who deliver inspiring workshops and dramatic performances to our Senior pupils. These opportunities offer invaluable insight into the world of professional theatre and ignite ambition in budding performers. Sixth Form students also benefit from regular opportunities to rehearse and present their assessed pieces in front of small audiences of staff and families, helping build confidence and stagecraft in a supportive setting.
Every year, the school stages a highly-anticipated drama production. Senior pupils are invited to audition, explore character roles and bring the script to life. For many of our pupils with additional learning needs and the associated social and emotional challenges, participating in these performances is an incredible achievement. In 2025, we added a steampunk twist to J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, featuring pupils from Years 9 to 13 as lost boys, pirates, fairies and even a giant crocodile. It was a spectacular success. In 2026, we’re taking things even further—our production of Oliver! will see pupils in the Middle and Senior years join forces on stage, with live music performed by our talented young musicians. We can’t wait to see the creativity and energy pupils will bring to this ambitious performance.
This spotlight shines far beyond the school gates. More House seniors have taken to stages across the UK—from local theatres like Haslemere Hall to major venues at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Our dark and gritty Rockbeth (Shakespeare’s Macbeth set to rock and roll music) earned a coveted ‘Sell-Out Show’ laurel in 2023, and in 2024, our return with the glitzy Twelfth Night Fever (a glitzy disco take on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night) lit up the Royal Mile and captivated packed venues.
Explore our photo galleries
Oliver! 2026 Performing Arts Production
Click here to view the full Oliver! photo gallery
Twelfth Night Fever 2024 Performing Arts Production
Click here to view the full Twelfth Night Fever photo gallery
Rockbeth 2023 Performing Arts Production
Click here to view the full Rockbeth photo gallery
All photography of Rockbeth and Twelfth Night Fever featured on this website was taken by Jane Hobson (2023 & 2024).
Music
Music at More House is not just a subject; it is a vibrant force that brings us together, fuels creativity, and inspires excellence. Our passionate and skilled team of full and part-time staff are dedicated to nurturing every pupil’s potential.
We are proud to offer some of the finest facilities, including a chamber concert hall with Boston Steinway grand piano, a music technology suite, two well equipped classrooms, a recording studio, five practice rooms, and a spacious drum kit teaching space. A Wyvern chamber organ in the Chapel also enriches our Music programme, accompanying the chapel choir and congregation.
Music forms part of the timetabled non-core subject carousels for all pupils in the Junior and Middle Years (Years 4-8) in which they study units such as Keyboard Skills, Music & Occasion, Blues, Music & Media and Samba to name but a few. Senior pupils then have the opportunity to study Music at GCSE and A-Level. Our timetable also includes, on average, over 150 individual instrumental or singing lessons per week. Pupils are regularly supported to practice and prepare for individual music exams to achieve gradings in any instrument they choose to learn.
A unique aspect of our Music programme is our empowering Junior Band initiative. Every boy who joins in Years 4-6 is provided an instrument to learn and takes their seat as part of the band. This helps them develop a sense of ownership over their musical education and progress, as well as feeling an integral part of a team. Some may join our school having already started their musical journey, but for others this is their first time playing an instrument. So often, pupils uncover a natural talent for music and continue to practise throughout their time at school and beyond, becoming inspiring and creative musicians.
Performance is central to our ethos. Pupils across all year groups have regular opportunities to take to the stage—whether through school recitals and pupil showcases or larger concerts and events. Audiences are treated to a vibrant mix of solo and ensemble pieces, spanning a rich array of instruments and vocal performances. Senior pupils have also provided live music for school drama productions, including the gritty Rockbeth (Shakespeare’s Macbeth set to rock music) which was performed to audiences at school and on tour at the Edinburgh Festival Frige, earning the cast, crew and musicians a sell-out-show laurel in 2023!
Our musical community is inclusive and diverse. Pupils are encouraged to join one of our many choirs and have the opportunity to try bands and ensembles, including Jazz Band, Brass Ensemble, Dixieland Band and Concert Band. These groups offer our pupils the chance to collaborate, express themselves, and feel the joy and connection that comes from being part of something bigger.
Beyond the classroom, our performing arts team lead inspiring events and tours across the local area and internationally—offering pupils rich cultural experiences and unforgettable performance opportunities.
Our pupils have graced renowned stages around the world, from iconic jazz clubs in New York to the global spotlight of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Each summer, our Steelpan Band leads the processions to Frensham Village Fayre with vibrant rhythm and colour, before handing over to the Jazz Band, who provide the soundtrack to the afternoon’s festivities. A true highlight of the school year is our Christmas by Candlelight concert, held at a local church in Farnham. This special event brings together pupils from all year groups to sing, act and perform for an audience of parents, staff, friends and members of the local community.
At its core, music at More House is about more than mastering technique. It’s about discovering potential, embracing expression, and nurturing confidence. Through an environment that champions growth and celebrates neurodiversity and difference, we empower every pupil to find their voice and let it be heard.