Award-winning Lichfield-born writer and performer goes back to school to engage pupils in drama

Multi award-winning writer and performer Katie Arnstein, went back to her former secondary school in a bid to inspire pupils in drama as part of her role as a Lichfield Festival Associate Artist.

Lichfield-born Katie enlisted the help of her former drama teacher, Mr Richard Hughes, at Friary School, Lichfield, to engage 13 GCSE and Sixth Form students in a project to write and perform monologues.

The project was one of two inspired by the music of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons (played at the Festival’s first night concert earlier this month) as part of Lichfield Festival’s ASPIRE! Learning and Participation programme.

The highs and lows of lockdown, disastrous holidays and sports day chaos, to walking home alone at night, were among the unique perspectives from young voices, woven into a compelling showcase of emerging local talent.

Arnstein, who performed her own monologue Homebird during the Festival, was highly commended at the Women of the Future Awards 2023 and is Offie Nominated. Her first television commission Wolverine Woman was broadcast on BBC Three last year.

Following 10 workshops led by Katie as well as sessions from visiting facilitators, the students shared The Friary Seasons at the Hub at St Mary’s as part of Lichfield Festival.

Katie said, “It’s been such a privilege to come back to The Friary and work with these incredible students. Not only have they completely blown me away with their talent and creativity but also their teamwork, collaboration and positivity. Their self-penned monologues are a showcase of comedy, poetry, drama, honesty and warmth from these brilliant young people.”