Curtain Call: ASD’s Week to Remember in London

On Oct. 15, students from American School Dhahran and British School Dhahran embarked on an unforgettable eight day journey to London, where they immersed themselves in the world of theater, culture and history. From world-class productions to iconic landmarks, every moment of the trip was filled with excitement, creativity and connection.

The group experienced a remarkable range of performances, each leaving a lasting impression. Matilda the Musical dazzled with its youthful energy, while The Play That Goes Wrong had everyone laughing from start to finish. Punch challenged students with bold, thought-provoking themes and Oliver! captivated the audience with its timeless music and heart. The performance of Hamlet at the National Theatre showcased Shakespeare at its most powerful, while Troilus and Cressida at the Globe provided an up-close look at Elizabethan drama. Six: The Concert transformed the theater into a lively royal pop party and My Neighbour Totoro enchanted everyone with its magical staging and stunning visuals.

In addition to attending performances, students participated in two interactive workshops that deepened their understanding of the performing arts. One focused on physical theater, encouraging participants to explore movement and expression, while the Commedia dell’Arte session introduced one of theater’s oldest and most entertaining traditions.

Beyond the stage, the itinerary offered a rich cultural experience. Students visited the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Theatre, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, the National Portrait Gallery, the British Museum and the Tate Modern. Each stop provided new insights into London’s artistic and historical legacy.

The group also enjoyed sampling the city’s diverse culinary offerings, from flavorful Asian dishes at Wagamama and classic burgers at Honest Burgers to a vibrant vegetarian Indian feast. A traditional afternoon tea with fresh scones added a quintessentially British touch, while the final dinner at La Porchetta, an authentic Italian restaurant, was the perfect finale to the week.

By the time the group returned home, students had seen some of the best theater in the world and gained lasting memories and friendships. The London trip truly embodied both ASD’s and BSD’s commitment to global learning, creativity and cultural engagement.

A special thank you goes to Mr. Flynn for his dedication and careful planning, which made this exceptional experience possible. Appreciation also goes to Ms. Racheal Childress and Ms. Rae-Leigh Lyons for their support throughout the trip. The community looks forward to seeing what next year’s adventure will bring!