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Lesson 13 of 35
  • Year 9

Watching 'Small Island' Act 1 Scene 3 with Rufus Norris and Helen Edmundson

I can consider how structure, pace, and transitions engage and energise the audience.

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Lesson 13 of 35
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  • Year 9

Watching 'Small Island' Act 1 Scene 3 with Rufus Norris and Helen Edmundson

I can consider how structure, pace, and transitions engage and energise the audience.

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. Edmundson says a key challenge in writing is making the audience feel secure and engaged.
  2. Edmundson and Norris both address how to overcome challenges in keeping the audience engaged, using clarity and pace.
  3. Norris says the first scenes focus on individual stories, which could slow the plot and ask more from the audience.
  4. Rufus Norris believes seamless scene changes energise the play and keep audiences engaged.
  5. 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.


To help you plan your year 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...

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 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
  • Language may offend
  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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.
Whose story does Act 1 Scene 2 of 'Small Island' focus on?

Michael
Hortense
Correct answer: Queenie
Gilbert
Bernard

Q2.
Put the plot points from 'Small Island', Act 1 Scene 2, in the correct order.

1 - Bernard and Queenie argue about donating furniture.
2 - Queenie reflects on how she left her family farm.
3 - Queenie agrees to move to London with Aunt Dorothy.
4 - Queenie tries to break things off with Bernard, but he proposes.
5 - Queenie moves in with Bernard and meets Arthur.
6 - Queenie helps Bernard with his RAF uniform and waves him off.

Q3.
In 'Small Island', what does Queenie imagine when she first moves to London?

That she’ll live a quiet life in the countryside.
That she’ll open her own shop.
Correct answer: That she’ll be adored and pursued like in the movies.
That she’ll become a nurse in the war effort.

Q4.
Match the keyword to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:transition,moving from one scene or moment to another

moving from one scene or moment to another

Correct Answer:archive,old documents, photos, or videos kept for their historical importance

old documents, photos, or videos kept for their historical importance

Correct Answer:footage,recorded film or video often showing real events

recorded film or video often showing real events

Correct Answer:pragmatic,doing things in a practical, realistic way

doing things in a practical, realistic way

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?

Correct answer: video projection, shadows, and falling props
loud sound effects, smoke machines, and flashing lights
recorded radio broadcasts, actors shouting, and slow motion
gunfire sound effects, spotlights, and actors running

Q6.
Why did Rufus Norris want the cinema scene between Queenie and Bernard included in Act 1 Scene 2 of 'Small Island'?

to add comic relief through awkward flirting
to show how Bernard impresses Queenie with his wealth
Correct answer: to contrast Hollywood romance with Queenie’s real-life love story
to introduce Bernard’s family background early

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In 'Small Island', at the start of Act 1 Scene 3, where is Gilbert fighting a GI?

Kingston, Jamaica
Correct answer: Lincolnshire, England
London, England
New York, USA

Q2.
In 'Small Island', what does Gilbert tell the audience when he addresses them during his brawl?

He regrets joining the RAF.
He is scared of the fight.
He wants to become a lawyer.
Correct answer: Fighting feels good.

Q3.
In 'Small Island', When Gilbert arrives in Lincolnshire, what is his actual job?

air gunner
flight engineer
Correct answer: coal truck driver
officer

Q4.
Arguably, in 'Small Island', what emotion does Gilbert often use to cover his pain?

anger
Correct answer: humour
sadness
pain

Q5.
Why does Rufus Norris say it’s a challenge to tell a story like 'Small Island' on stage?

Because the audience needs time to understand the historical context.
Correct answer: Because you have to set up several stories before they start connecting.
Because the story focuses mostly on one character.

Q6.
According to Rufus Norris, what is important about the transitions in 'Small Island', especially in Scene 3?

They show the different settings clearly with long breaks.
They give the audience time to reflect between characters.
Correct answer: They are fast and smooth to keep the story moving and the audience engaged.
They help the actors prepare for their next scene.