14th January 2026
On Wednesday 14th January, Mayfield School in Portsmouth was delighted to host a vibrant and inspiring live theatre performance by Onatti Productions, welcoming hundreds of Year 7 and Year 8 pupils from schools across the city.
The event formed part of students’ French learning and provided an exciting opportunity to experience language in a real, meaningful and memorable context.
A Play Designed for Language Learners
Onatti Productions performed their French play RSVP, a production specifically written for students studying French. The performance was delivered entirely in French, using clear pronunciation, repetition, humour and physical theatre to ensure that pupils could follow the storyline while developing their listening confidence.
For many students, this was their first experience of watching a full theatre performance in another language, and they rose to the challenge brilliantly.
Engagement, Confidence and Cultural Understanding
The performance created a fantastic atmosphere in the hall, with students fully engaged from start to finish. Laughter, applause and enthusiastic reactions showed just how accessible and enjoyable learning French can be.
Several pupils were even invited to join the actors on stage, giving them a unique and unforgettable opportunity to use their French in front of a live audience. These moments helped build confidence, resilience and a real sense of achievement.
Collaboration Across Portsmouth
The event was expertly organised by Emily Painter, Head of Languages at Mayfield School, who generously invited schools from across Portsmouth to take part. Her commitment to collaboration and enrichment ensured that many more pupils could benefit from this powerful learning experience.
This shared approach highlights the strength of language education across the city and the value of working together to inspire young linguists.
A Lasting Impact
Students left the performance buzzing with excitement, talking about characters, key phrases and moments from the play. Experiences like this help pupils see French not just as a classroom subject, but as a living language connected to culture, creativity and communication.
We would like to thank Onatti Productions for an outstanding performance, and Mayfield School for hosting such a successful and inspiring event. Opportunities like these play a vital role in motivating students and bringing language learning to life.
Pupil Voice
“I didn’t understand every word, but I could still follow the story and it made me feel more confident about listening in French. It was really fun and different from a normal lesson.”
Matthew P - Year 7
“The actors made it really funny and easy to understand. I liked how they spoke slowly and used actions to help us. It made me realise I can understand more French than I thought.”
Danica W - Year 7
“I loved watching students from the audience join in on stage. It made the play feel more real and exciting.”
Bethany K – Year 8
