Newham Among Areas with London’s Lowest Drama Participation

Burgess Hill Girls School analysed the results of the survey in response to recent findings that the number of students studying the arts at GCSE and A Level has decreased.

The City of London had the highest percentage of participants in the 2023/24 report. 68% of people in the area had either attended or taken part in Drama, Theatre, Ballet, or Opera within the 12 months. Richmond Upon Thames had the second highest percentage of participants with 65% and Islington came third overall with 62% participation.

Area

Percentage Taking Part

City of London

68%

Richmond upon Thames

65%

Islington

62%

On the other end of the scale, Barking and Dagenham saw the lowest participation with just 22%. Newham was second to last with 32% and Redbridge rounded out the bottom 3 with 34%

Area

Percentage Taking Part

Barking and Dagenham

22%

Newham

32%

Redbridge

34%

Burgess Hill Girls School have discussed their recent stage combat workshop and the benefits that drama has for the girls at the school, both in drama and beyond.

Anne Pithie, director of marketing and communications at the school said:

“We know that Drama as a subject has a lot of benefits that go beyond acting skill, it can empower our students to speak with confidence, express themselves authentically, build empathy and emotional intelligence. This helps them present ideas, work collaboratively and lead others when needed.

“It’s also a powerful tool for building physical confidence, public speaking and deep listening skills which can be useful in careers in law, business, education, and beyond.

“It’s important that the film industry continues to increase its representation of women in more active and physical leading roles. As a powerful tool which can inspire young women to see themselves as strong and as capable enough to take on any role.”

Although at times women led films have provoked online backlash, particularly those within the action genre, or films in which a strong female lead is key. Anne went on to give some context and explain why this form of representation and the skills required can be so important.

“In their International Women’s Day survey, YouGov found that 49% of people felt more needed to be done to help women have the resource to become economically independent, and 50% felt more was needed in terms of training or opportunities for women when it came to leadership skills and development.  

“Running programmes and events like the stage combat workshop are an excellent way to help students develop the physical skills and presence they will need as they move forward into new fields, aiming to unlock their full potential.”