Palace Uncovered: A Unique Opportunity for Secondary Schools

Palace Uncover is an exciting, free opportunity for secondary schools (year 9 and above) to collaborate with historians and creatives. This innovative project invites students to Alexandra Palace to explore its fascinating history and create performance material using a variety of art forms, including scriptwriting, filmmaking, choreography, and theatre-making.

Over the next three years, the project will focus on the 1914 Belgium refugee crisis, when Alexandra Palace became a refuge for those fleeing conflict. The programme will delve into how the healthcare sector responded to the crisis, offering vital support to those in need. It will also explore contemporary responses to communities seeking sanctuary from conflict.

Students will have the chance to work alongside historians and creatives in the beautifully restored Victorian Theatre at Alexandra Palace. They will be tasked with creating performance pieces that reflect on these historical themes, which they will share with their peers during the day.

Pupils will have the unique opportunity to explore a wide range of materials from the Alexandra Palace archive, including images, text, personal testimonies, and found objects, to inspire and inform their creative process. By engaging with these historical resources, students will develop performance material that draws on the rich history of the palace. They will then have the chance to present their work in the very spaces where these significant events took place, creating a powerful connection between the past and their creative expression.

This free programme is ideal for pupils studying history, creative subjects, and especially those with an interest in the performing arts. Don’t miss the chance for your students to be part of this inspiring and educational experience!

This year, we have two dedicated workshop days in the restored Victorian theatre 7 – 8 July 2025. To get involved, please contact learning@alexandrapalace.com to discuss how your school can participate in this exciting programme. Additionally, there may be opportunities to invite creatives into your school ahead of the workshops to help prepare students for the process, making this an even more enriching experience for everyone involved.