12 Mar 2026
A critically acclaimed school drama company has brought down the house again after winning a major youth drama festival for the second year running.
Launched in December 2024, The Marlborough Science Academy’s Drama Company is made up of students across Years 8-13 who have successfully auditioned to take part in school productions.
After winning the Youth Committee Cup at last year’s Welwyn Garden City Youth Drama Festival, they returned to The Barn Theatre to compete against eight other school and youth drama companies in the senior category at this year’s event.
Their powerful performance of Mephisto, written by drama teacher and deputy head James Griggs, imagines the story 500 years after Dr Faustus, exploring the ethical turmoil of the fallen angel who damned him.
A striking reflection on society’s obsession with fame, followers and instant gratification, the play asks the timeless question: what would you sell your soul for?
Adjudicator Chris Baglin said “Mephisto is a very entertaining piece, very well presented with a brilliant ensemble cast of young people who pulled off that ambiguous ending. We could debate for days if he got that last soul or not and that is a tour de force.”
Head of drama Claire Griggs said: “The standard of performance from all teams in the competition was exceptional and we are thrilled to have won first place for the second year running.
“We are incredibly proud of the whole cast and crew who delivered brilliant performances. Marlborough is also proud to have won the ‘jolliest team’ award, presented to one group during the week by the festival team. It’s lovely to see our students embodying our school values of compassion, kindness and dignity. Thank you to the Festival team who made the experience so enjoyable and valuable for our students.”
There were also medals of recognition for the performances of two Marlborough students: Olivia Miller (Year 8) as Young Lilith and Shaf Phillips’ (Year 10) as Mephisto.
There will be another opportunity to catch their performance of Mephisto at The Barn Theatre, Welwyn on Monday May 18, as they open the Welwyn Drama Festival.
