b'Gothic Season at KingThe Gothic Season at KingAdding to the thrill of the event, the school Edward VI HandsworthEdward VI Handsworth Grammarhosted two dramatisations of classic Grammar School for BoysSchool for Boys in BirminghamGothic tales: A Christmas Carol and The was definitely for anyone who loves theproved to be a spellbinding celebration of oneStrange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. eerie, the mysterious, and the spine- of literatures most fascinating genres.These performances brought to life the dark chilling world of Gothic literature. ThisRunning over three weeks, this festival delvedatmospheres and complex characters that three-week event brought the genre tointo the dark and mysterious, offeringdefine the Gothic genre. Students not only life in a way that was both engagingstudents a captivating journey through thewatched these iconic stories unfold but were and educational, allowing students toeerie world of Gothic fiction. The event drewalso able to appreciate how these classic deep dive into what makes these darkinspiration from the supernatural and sinisterworks resonate in modern interpretations.tales so fascinating. themes that have long gripped theThis unique festival offered more than just Gothic Season gave a wide rangeimaginations of readers and moviegoers alike. an exploration of Gothic literatureit was of activities, from sessions led byFrom the outset, it was clear that the festivalan immersive experience that encouraged professors at the Centre for the Historywas not just a passive experience; studentsstudents to delve into centuries of dark of the Gothic at Sheffield University,were actively engaged with Gothic talescreativity and imagination. As Albert Einstein to live performances of Gothic storiesthrough a variety of interactive activities. Oneonce said, The most beautiful thing we can such as A Christmas Carol and Theof the highlights was the partnership withexperience is the mysterious, and during Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.experts in Gothic studies, including scholarsGothic Season, students had the opportunity These performances not only broughtfrom the Centre for the History of the Gothicto embrace that very sentiment, uncovering the stories to life but also showcasedat Sheffield University. These experts ledthe allure of mystery, intrigue, and suspense the power of storytelling, making thesessions that invited students to explorethat makes Gothic stories so irresistible.genre feel interesting and relevant. Thedifferent facets of the genre, encouragingHaroon Siddiqui, Year 10Gothic Film Club was a good way todeeper insight into what makes Gothic explore how these classic tales haveliterature so enduring and suspenseful.been adapted for the screen, as theres something so interesting about seeing familiar stories reimagined with modern visuals and techniques. When you think of Gothic, what do you think of? It may be scary stories or characters One of the main features of Gothiclike vampires or even ghost stories. The things I would think of would be the Season was the Strictly Talk Gothicatmosphere when characters either find a mysterious house or intrude in areas that speech competition, where we got theare off limits. Characters that may be in various Gothic settings are ghosts, werewolves, witches, chance to show off our dramatic flair byghouls, gargoyles, zombies, and figures like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. These characters are delivering Gothic speeches, with all therenowned for their Gothic characteristics.emotion and suspense these storiesAs part of Gothic Season we had sessions with different experts, such as professors on Gothic deserve. In my opinion it was a funliterature, which aided me in gaining more knowledge about this genre. During Gothic Tutor and very creative way to engage withTime, we could win a prize by taking part in quizzes and countless other activities. There were their Gothic character, making us thinkalso plays which were acted out by the Quantum Theatre Company. The Gothic genre has a about the language and structure thatsort of haunting beauty that makes it stand out. Gothic Season really balanced atmosphere and make Gothic stories so good. storytelling, which keeps us hooked with every twist and turn.Gurnishan Jhuty, Year 10 Kai Chen, Year 9The festival was packed with engaging activities both in and outside the classroom. One of the highlights was working with academics from the Centre for the History of the Gothic at Sheffield University. Their interactive sessions helped me uncover the deeper themes and history behind Gothic literature, making me appreciate just how complex and timeless the genre really is.Watching the theatrical performances of A Christmas Carol and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was another unforgettable This years Gothic Season was very exciting and very helpful for Year 10. Lastexperience. Seeing these classic tales brought year we had Shakespeare Season which everybody found new and enjoyable;to life on stage made me feel suspense and and this year Gothic Season was even better, because we had even morehorror in a way that reading alone never could. visitors come in and talk about different things. We had a number of people talking aboutThe Gothic Film Club was just as exciting, different Gothic features and stories. A professor from Sheffield University came to talk toshowing how these dark and haunting stories us about an adapted version of Frankenstein and how it related to the times of the author,had been adapted for the big screen in and why the author Mary Shelley created it. Another speaker from Sheffield Universitymodern, spellbinding ways.talked about doubling which is a literature feature that can be found in different GothicOne of the most thrilling parts of Gothic texts that we analysed together. We had a number of plays and productions, Dr JekyllSeason was the Strictly Talk Gothic and Mr Hyde and A Christmas Carol. The English department also put together a numbercompetition. I had the opportunity to challenge of activities to do in form times related to Gothic literature. Gothic Season in my opinionmyself by delivering a dramatic Gothic speech, was very beneficial and very helpful for the students at the school as it offered a differentwhich not only tested my public speaking skills approach to learning. Overall, the activities, events and plays that took place in this yearsbut also made me appreciate the theatrical Gothic Season were very enjoyable and very helpful to all. nature of Gothic storytelling.Ratan Chana, Year 10 Ashveer Singh, Year 1034'