Year 9 pupils, alongside Drama scholars and A level pupils in English, Drama and Dance, recently took part in an electrifying Stage Combat workshop led by Mark Ruddick – a highly experienced Fight Director and founder of Squire Stage Combat.
With over 15 years of experience in theatre and film, Mark has worked with renowned organisations including Glyndebourne Opera, the National Theatre, Royal Opera, BBC, and Marvel Studios. His fight direction credits include major productions such as Peter Pan, Captain America, War Horse, and House of the Dragon.
The action-packed workshops, attended by approximately 130 pupils, flew by as they explored a range of hand-to-hand combat techniques. These included the fundamentals of angles, staging, and misdirection. Pupils learned moves such as the “parrot punch,” practiced safe combat holds, and performed choreographed routines with precision and energy. Scholars and exam-level pupils progressed to more advanced sequences using swords, receiving an exhilarating introduction to this specialised area of stagecraft.
All participants embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. Their rapid progress, engagement, and commitment to safety were genuinely impressive. Beyond the valuable technical skills and fascinating industry insight, the workshop also fostered essential competencies such as communication, collaboration, and confidence. These abilities – particularly in physical storytelling and character interaction – will significantly enrich their Drama performances, deepen their understanding of movement in Dance, and offer practical tools for analysing conflict and character motivation in English texts.
It was a truly exceptional day, leaving everyone invigorated and with a greater appreciation for the artistry and discipline of stage combat.
