Watching 'Small Island' Act 1 Scene 3 with Rufus Norris and Helen Edmundson
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can consider how structure, pace, and transitions engage and energise the audience.
Key learning points
- Edmundson says a key challenge in writing is making the audience feel secure and engaged.
- Edmundson and Norris both address how to overcome challenges in keeping the audience engaged, using clarity and pace.
- Norris says the first scenes focus on individual stories, which could slow the plot and ask more from the audience.
- Rufus Norris believes seamless scene changes energise the play and keep audiences engaged.
- Norris highlights that action and humour in Gilbert’s story help keep the audience engaged.
Keywords
Protagonist - the main character or lead figure in a play, story, or drama, whose actions drive the plot forward
Energise - to give energy or vitality to something. In theatre, this could mean to inject pace, emotion, or intensity into scenes, keeping the audience engaged and the story moving
Pace - the speed at which a story or scene progresses. In theatre: Pace controls the rhythm of a play, balancing fast action and slower moments to maintain interest and emotional impact
Common misconception
Because Gilbert jokes and is confident, it means he isn’t really affected by racism or hardship.
Gilbert uses humour to hide pain. Arguably, his confidence masks his struggle, making his experience more powerful and real. Consider this when you watch the perfomance.
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
You will need the National Theatre production of 'Small Island', which can be found on the website 'Drama Online'. Scene 3 begins with Pathé footage of war (00:52:15) to chorus entrance (1:10:45).
Content guidance
Contains strong language
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Language may offend
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Whose story does Act 1 Scene 2 of 'Small Island' focus on?
Q2.Put the plot points from 'Small Island', Act 1 Scene 2, in the correct order.
Q3.In 'Small Island', what does Queenie imagine when she first moves to London?
Q4.Match the keyword to the correct definition.
Q5.What theatrical techniques does Rufus Norris say were used in Act 1 Scene 2 of 'Small Island', to create the bombing effect on stage?
Q6.Why did Rufus Norris want the cinema scene between Queenie and Bernard included in Act 1 Scene 2 of 'Small Island'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Small Island', at the start of Act 1 Scene 3, where is Gilbert fighting a GI?
Q2.In 'Small Island', what does Gilbert tell the audience when he addresses them during his brawl?
Q3.In 'Small Island', When Gilbert arrives in Lincolnshire, what is his actual job?
Q4.Arguably, in 'Small Island', what emotion does Gilbert often use to cover his pain?
Q5.Why does Rufus Norris say it’s a challenge to tell a story like 'Small Island' on stage?
Q6.According to Rufus Norris, what is important about the transitions in 'Small Island', especially in Scene 3?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Watching 'Small Island' Act 1 Scene 3 with Rufus Norris and Helen Edmundson, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Watching 'Small Island' Act 1 Scene 3 with Rufus Norris and Helen Edmundson, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the 'Small Island' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.