Exchange Theatre is an international company established in 2006 in London in order to translate and produce unknown or rare international plays in English. With the use multilingualism and a strong imagery, the productions offer a true sensorial experience. Exchange Theatre recently produced a four week run at the Drayton Arms Theatre of Moliere’s The Doctor In Spite of Himself, which was played alternatively in English and French by the same cast. The show is nominated for an Off West Award for Best Direction.

Exchange Theatre was resident company at the French Institute in London for two years. The work started as English adaptations then evolved towards a unique bilingual experiment. The response was very positive, moving from the site specific library to the Ciné Lumiere auditorium. But  it was noticed that the understanding is universal whatever the language. This body of work should be also seen by more people than the French community.

Beside the professional company, their education department offers drama classes in French and also teaches French through drama in schools and nurseries across the UK.  

Classes and workshops available:

French for Kids
(For nurseries and EYFS)
One off or regular 30 min sessions
This workshop is designed to initiate children under 5 to the French language. Based on drama techniques, it uses songs, games, music, imagery and puppetry.

L'Atelier
(From KS1)
1h to 1h30 in French, German or Spanish
The session consists of a warm up, drama games and working on a simple theatre script. At the end, the pupils show the scene in front of the whole group and are directed by the workshop leaders. It is adapted to the students’ level and to the chosen language.

L'Atelier - book studies
(In French)
Workshops based on books and play for secondary and A level students.
In line with our educational approach to share and discover, we adapt them to present literary works in keeping with the school curriculum. Projects presented below are adaptable to the school or teacher’s demands. It allows students to go deeper into the author’s work with the use of improvisation, acting and glimpses of directions. A minimum of 5 sessions are required if you would like to put on a performance.

We currently offer L’Etranger by Albert Camus, Candide by Voltaire, Les Mains Sales by Jean-Paul Sartre, Boule de Suif by Maupassant, Tartuffe by Molière and Le Château de Ma Mère by Marcel Pagnol. We would be happy to discuss with you any other books.

French Tales
(From EYFS)
40 min in French or French and English
An interactive reading composed of games, songs, pictures and dances. Its aim is to allow children to learn French by hearing a story. The general understanding of the tale prevails the learning of words and expressions. It is adaptable to your needs and choice of theme (halloween, christmas, easter, season…)

Plays available:

How to make a good little riding hood
Duration 40 min participative
Children are at the heart of the creation of the story
In English with some easy French
From 5 year olds

The peau d'ane Rehearsal (pictured right)
Duration 50 min participative
Children are at the heart of the creation of the story
In English with French interaction (or only French)
From 7 year olds

Antigone (Anouilh) - Le Medecin Malgre Lui (Moliere) - Huis Clos (Sartre)
All in French
Duration 1h30
Secondary and above

Follow the schools’ curriculum “Add on” workshop available
Based on talks, improvisations and games, these workshops allow pupils to approach a play and its themes in a different way. Performing excerpt of the play will boost the student’s capacity to have a philosophical reflection and an exchange of ideas.

Key information

• CRB Checked
• Native teachers
• Can be adapted to your student needs