Eight years ago, a drama production at Gislingham Primary School lit a spark that would travel all the way to Hollywood. At the heart of it was Mr Tim Clarke, Head of Drama at St John’s, whose outreach programme has transformed the creative lives of children across Suffolk and Cambridgeshire throughout many years.
Mr Clarke began producing drama at Gislingham Primary as part of a wider initiative to bring high-quality theatrical experiences to local schools. His first production was a Shakespeare Schools Festival staging of Macbeth which featured a young Isla Johnston in the lead role as Lady Macbeth. It was a casting decision that would prove life-changing.
Isla, then just ten years old, showed a rare emotional depth and stage presence.
Drama doesn’t just build actors. It builds courage, empathy, and the ability to speak your truth, whether you’re centre stage or cheering from the wings.
Since that first performance, Isla has gone on to star in The Queen’s Gambit and has recently been cast as Joan of Arc in Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming film. Her journey from village school stage to international screen is a testament to the power of early creative opportunities and the teachers who make them possible. Her rise to fame is featured in an article in this month's British Vogue, entitled, 'How Isla Johnston Became Baz Luhrmann's New Star-In-The-Making'.
But Mr Clarke’s impact goes far beyond one rising star. His drama outreach programme has become a cornerstone of Gislingham Primary’s enrichment offer, giving every child regardless of background or ability the chance to explore storytelling, character, and voice. Our Head of Drama's productions are experiences that shape how children see themselves and the world.
We’ve seen shy pupils blossom, friendships deepen, and confidence soar.
As Isla prepares to take on the role of a warrior-saint in Luhrmann’s cinematic retelling, her story stands as a beacon of what’s possible when creativity is nurtured early and when one teacher dares to believe in the power of drama.
(Photos courtesy of Norman Jean Roy for British Vogue)