Performing Arts
There is a very strong, long-standing tradition of Performing Arts at Charterhouse. There are numerous opportunities to participate in the theatrical life of the School, either on stage or behind the scenes, both in the professionally equipped Ben Travers Theatre or in one of the many other performance spaces across our beautiful site.
The Theatre is an exciting place to be. It’s a space where pupils from across the School come to work together.
Creativity and freedom of expression are given full rein, alongside which all of our School values are at play.
In the Spotlight
Each term, at least one major production is produced on campus.
Our Groundlings Theatre Group is open to pupils in Years 9 & 10 and performs several times during the year. Two School Musicals each year (Under School and Seniors) are complemented by a number of performances and workshops by visiting professional theatre companies too.
Pupils are involved in the technical aspects of all productions, be it sound, lighting, stage managing, stage crew, set construction or wardrobe.
Recent productions have included Legally Blonde, As You Like It, Titanic, Guys & Dolls, The Cherry Orchard, and The Addams Family.
Congratulations to the entire cast and creative team of The Addams Family for their nomination for Best Musical 2025 in the National School Theatre Awards.
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As a pupil in the early 2000s Groundlings and The Ben Travers Theatre taught me how to tell stories and, furthermore, how to tell stories for a living. I love this building, what it does and what it stands for. Alasdair Buchan, Old Carthusian (S05)
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Just when I think there is no more to give, our pupils have raised the bar again. The standard of performance from everyone involved in this year's shows has been both breathtaking and humbling. I am so proud of them all. The strength of friendships that has developed shows that not only is the theatre a fun place to be, but that it is a place for everyone.
MRS JANI LAMBETH, DEPUTY HEAD (CO-CURRICULAR)
Chatterhouse
Dean Chisnall, our Director of Performing Arts, reflects on inspiring passion and life skills in our pupils. In addition to his role at School, Dean is currently playing the title role of the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera in London's West End, having previously enjoyed a 5-year run as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables.
I truly believe that every pupil should have exposure to the performing arts in some form – the life skills you gain from it are incredibly precious and stand you in good stead for any career.
MR DEAN CHISNALL, DIRECTOR OF PERFORMING ARTS
Dance
Our Dance programme is both a creative art and a physical discipline; it offers pupils a unique way to express themselves, build confidence, and stay active.
Whether pupils are experienced dancers or just starting out, they are encouraged to explore a wide range of styles — from ballet and contemporary to hip-hop and jazz. Lessons focus on movement, musicality, technique and performance, while also developing strength, coordination and resilience.
Dance is available as both a co-curricular activity and a sporting option (for our senior year groups). Pupils have regular opportunities to perform, choreograph and collaborate, with showcase events that celebrate creativity and talent across the year groups.
As a subject, Dance supports wellbeing, self-awareness and communication. It helps pupils to think creatively, work as a team and engage with the wider world, skills that extend far beyond the studio.
It was an honour to attend this incredible masterclass with West End star Laura Harrison. Taking us through warm-up and audition techniques, we got to perform scenes from ‘Wicked’ and were treated to Laura's stunning voice. It was an inspiring experience to learn from someone so talented and such a well-known face in the West End.
FLEUR, YEAR 13
