Location

Since 1998, the permanent home for the Drama Summer School has been the beautiful house and grounds of Ufton Court, Berkshire.

Ufton Court is a Grade One listed building of historical significance. The Tudor Manor house has medieval origins that can be seen in the structure and the interior of the house and in the medieval Tithe barn that adjoins the house. The house has suffered very few significant alterations during its long life and the Victorians did not get round to their usual remodelling. The house sits amidst eleven acres of grounds, some of which are set out as orchards, herb and kitchen and formal gardens. Within the gardens are a series of large medieval fishponds that are currently undergoing some restoration. At the back of the house there is a large terrace and seating area where the Summer School students seem to congregate every night after the work.

In front of the building lies the impressive and recently restored Tithe Barn. This large building has an amazingly intricate beamed structure and is a wonderful large working space for the Drama Summer School. It is set within a paddock area, which also provides one of a number of good outdoor working spaces.

 The house and grounds are really beautiful and the Summer School staff love seeing the expression on the faces of students when they arrive for the first time and realise that this is where they are staying and working for the week.