Poet Laureate in Durham

On Friday 19th October, a group of St John’s Students from KS4 and KS5 English classes visited the Gala Theatre in Durham to watch a poetry reading by the Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy. The reading was followed by a performance of a ballet based on the fairytale ‘Rapunzel’, for which Carol Ann Duffy had written the dialogue. The trip was provided as part of the Hexham and Newcastle Catholic Partnership.

Both of the performances were unlike anything the students had seen before, bringing together music, dance and literature. Carol Ann Duffy read poems which she had written on a variety of topic such as World War One and mythology which were funny, moving and thought-provoking. Some of the students took the opportunity to meet Duffy after the reading and had books signed.

The ballet featured spoken word and the combination of music from ‘Doctor Who’ composer Murray Gold and modern dance worked perfectly.

Overall, the evening was extremely enjoyable and one which students will hopefully remember for years to come.