The pupils from Chantry and Newminster Middle Schools were invited to participate in a Heritage Lottery funded drama based on a new book written for children by Bridget Gubbins called ‘The Conquest of Morpeth’. They have been attending drama club on Tuesdays after school and working really hard this term. Students have examined different drama techniques including: freeze frames, script writing, prop making, costume design, movement, music and shadow puppetry.

They staged a performance of their own self-devised work based on ‘The Conquest of Morpeth’ on Thursday 23rd November 2017 in the Chantry Middle School Hall. It was extremely well received by the packed out audience which included the author, illustrator and Mrs Patricia Murray, consort of the Civic Head of Northumberland County Council.

Signed versions of the children’s book, ‘The Conquest of Morpeth’ by Bridget Gubbins, were on sale at the event.

​Quote from Bridget Gubbins – ​I was overwhelmed by the magnificent interpretation of the stories in the book.  From the terrifying devil masks to the unhappy Juliana obliged to marry Ranulph de Merlay.  From the battle scenes to the poor village girl who had to work at the castle.  The children made these stories about Morpeth’s history all their own.  As a writer and researcher, seeing the stories being brought alive by these youngsters makes all the work worthwhile.”

With colourful illustrations by local artist Susan Dibben, the book is available for sale in Morpeth bookshops, just in time for Christmas, and costs only £5.