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Lesson 10 of 35
  • Year 9

Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scene 2 with director Rufus Norris

I can use Rufus Norris’s ideas to explain how different stage techniques bring Act 1 Scene 2 of 'Small Island' to life.

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Lesson 10 of 35
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  • Year 9

Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scene 2 with director Rufus Norris

I can use Rufus Norris’s ideas to explain how different stage techniques bring Act 1 Scene 2 of 'Small Island' to life.

Download all
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Act 1 Scene 2 transitions from Kingston Jamaica, 1939, to London England, 1941.
  2. In Act 1 Scene 2 we are introduced to Queenie who uses direct address until her story “catches up with her”.
  3. Norris explains the use of video footage in creating specific atmospheres and settings.
  4. Norris uses actors, shadows, and props to overcome staging challenges and vividly create the impact of the bombing.
  5. Norris acknowledges the humour in the scene compared to Scene 1.

Keywords

  • Transition - in theatre, it is a way of moving from one scene or moment to another using sound, lighting, movement, or set changes

  • Archive - a collection of old documents, photos, or videos kept for their historical importance

  • Footage - recorded video or film, often used to show real events or add meaning on stage or screen

  • Pragmatic - dealing with things in a practical and realistic way, rather than focusing on what is ideal or theoretical

Common misconception

There isn’t any humour in plays like 'Small Island' because the subject matter is too serious.

Humour is used in 'Small Island' to make the characters more relatable and to provide moments of relief during tense scenes. It helps the audience connect with the story while still exploring serious issues.


To help you plan your year 9 English lesson on: Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scene 2 with director Rufus Norris, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You may wish to consider the timing of this lesson. Each learning cycle can be taught as a standalone lesson if needed. This will ensure there is enough time to watch and fully engage with each of the videos.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need the National Theatre production of 'Small Island', which can be found on the website 'Drama Online'. Scene 2 is a transition (00:27:22) and ends with Michael's entrance (00:52:14).

Content guidance

  • Contains strong language
  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Language may offend
  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
  • Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which answer best explains the dramatic purpose of starting 'Small Island' with a hurricane?

It creates humour.
Correct answer: It builds suspense and a sense of foreboding.
It introduces all the characters at once.
It shows Mrs. Ryder's bravery.

Q2.
Who is standing by the doorway in the opening scene of 'Small Island' and showing no fear?

Hortense
Mr Philip
Michael
Correct answer: Mrs Ryder

Q3.
Which answer best explains the effect of Hortense’s direct address in 'Small Island'?

It creates distance with the audience.
Correct answer: It creates a connection and reveals her personality.
It shows she is confused.
It introduces her villainous side.

Q4.
Which theatrical technique allows the audience to learn about Hortense’s background in 'Small Island'?

Correct answer: flashback
monologue
dialogue
dramatic irony
a letter

Q5.
In 'Small Island', what happens to Hortense’s direct address as the play continues, according to Rufus Norris?

It becomes louder and more frequent.
It is replaced by other characters’ narration.
Correct answer: It fades as her heart is broken and events catch up with her.
It becomes more formal and rehearsed.

Q6.
What does the director Rufus Norris say about the “agreement” between audience and performers in theatre?

Audiences must never break the fourth wall.
Correct answer: The audience agrees to imagine and believe in the world being created on stage.
The actors must stick to the script.
Theatre is only effective if it uses realism.

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
'In 'Small Island', what theme does the cinema scene between Queenie and Bernard highlight, according to Rufus Norris?

British patriotism
Correct answer: love versus idealism
ambition and career
parenting and family

Q2.
How is Queenie described by Rufus Norris in Act 1 Scene 2 of 'Small Island'?

overwhelmed and uncertain
reserved and submissive
detached and playful
Correct answer: pragmatic and in control

Q3.
What year does Act 1 Scene 2 of 'Small Island' take place in?

1939
1945
Correct answer: 1941
1950

Q4.
Put these statements in order to summarise Scene 2 of 'Small Island's' emotional journey.

1 - Queenie uses humour to cope.
2 - Bernard expresses love during the air raid.
3 - Michael enters, raising emotional stakes.
4 - Queenie reflects on her reasons for marrying Bernard.

Q5.
Is this statement true or false? During the air raid siren scene in 'Small Island', Bernard expresses his love for Queenie for the first time.

Correct Answer: true, t, True, T

Q6.
Which word beginning with the letter ‘t’ describes a way of moving from one scene or moment to another in theatre, often using sound, lighting, movement, or set changes?

Correct Answer: transition, transitions, Transition