Our recent production of Legally Blonde was a terrific showcase of talent, dedication and teamwork.

Months of preparation came together in fabulous performances full of confidence, humour and energy.

Congratulations to the amazing cast, musicians, and backstage crew, whose skill and professionalism ensured each show ran seamlessly.

Special thanks go to Mr Thomas for his vision and direction in bringing the production to life. Legally Blonde was not only entertaining, but a timely reminder to stay true to ourselves and look beyond first impressions!

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The Lower School production of Great Expectations was an roaring success, playing to sold-out audiences, and it’s safe to say that Dickens’ classic was thoroughly reimagined.

The creative team built in last-minute choreography, injecting energy and nuance into key scenes, while over
200 sound cues and 100 lighting cues kept the technical crew on their toes. The cast members were also the first to make use of the newly renovated backstage area.

Highfield Boarders enjoyed a special sneak preview on Wednesday evening, and the following performances were a tremendous success, with both cast and audience enjoying every moment of the performance.

Taking on a sprawling tale that many remember in monochrome, the pupils brought colour and playfulness to the fore, with iconic scenes conjured from fabric and paddle steamers that were really tables. With five Pips, three Estellas, and a company of energetic performers, this was Great Expectations as you’ve never seen it before!

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The group began with a fascinating walking tour of Manhattan, followed by an evening on Broadway to see Back To The Future: The Musical, which was a real highlight.

The next morning, the pupils participated in a workshop with a cast member and the show’s musical director, engaging fully and enjoying the chance to learn from industry professionals.

The pupils also went ice-skating in Central Park, admired the stunning views from the Top of the Rock, and marvelled at the Manhattan Bridge at golden hour.

There were plenty of tired feet by the end, but the trip left everyone inspired and full of fond memories of New York’s incredible energy and creativity.

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The week commenced with two standout events. On 18 June, Dr. Gary Wade delivered the Arts Week Lecture, delving into the theme of the human chain of love in the poetry of Seamus Heaney. Later that evening Hugh Rowlands, Deputy Director of Music and College Organist, gave a mesmerising opening recital on the chapel organ. His performance included Bach’s extraordinary Passacaglia and Schumann’s evocative Canonic Etudes, alongside contemporary compositions by Martin Martin, Cecilia McDowell, and Judith Weir.

Throughout the week, pupils took center stage in a variety of performances and exhibitions. The three lunchtime “Soundbite Concerts” showcased the musical talents of our pupils, while “A Night on Broadway” on Wednesday evening brought the magic of musical theatre to life. Thursday featured two wonderful celebrations of Shakespeare, highlighting the timeless relevance of his works with intimate outdoor performances dotted around campus. The Speech Day Art Show Preview offered a glimpse into the creative endeavours of our pupils, and the long-standing tradition of Madrigals by the Pond in Great Amwell returned for its 81st year, enchanting audiences with traditional English madrigals and other secular music. “Pop on Pavilion” added an alternative flavour to the weekend, where soloists and bands took to the stage with contemporary hits and original songs.

The week concluded with a beautiful Festival Service in the Chapel on Sunday morning, featuring a feast of readings and music performed by the Chamber Choir and Chapel Choir. This service was a fitting end to a week that celebrated the artistic life of our beloved community.

The success of this year’s Arts Week underscores our commitment to nurturing and valuing the arts within our community. Congratulations to the hundreds of Haileyburians who devoted themselves to this dynamic celebration.

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Christopher Nolan, known for his groundbreaking work in directing and producing, added another feather to his cap by winning the Academy Award for Best Director for his latest blockbuster, Oppenheimer. With a career spanning decades, Nolan has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual effects in cinema. His unique style and visionary approach have earned him a dedicated global following and critical acclaim. In addition to Oppenheimer’s impressive 13 nominations and seven wins last evening, Nolan’s film has enjoyed an incredibly successful 2024 awards season, earning seven BAFTAs, five Golden Globes, three SAG Awards and a People’s Choice Award.

Perhaps one of the most unexpected moments from last evening’s Oscars happened at the press conference. Nolan was caught off guard when he fielded a question from fellow alumni and journalist Alison Boshoff nee Fleming (Allenby & Colvin, 1988). In their brief interaction, the OHs reminisced about their Haileybury history class.

There was another Haileyburian at the star-studded event. Alumna Suzi Battersby, a standout talent in the world of cinematic prosthetics design and makeup, transformed Dame Helen Mirren for the critically acclaimed film Golda, about the ‘Iron Lady of Israel’, Golda Meir. Suzi’s attention to detail and ability to bring characters to life through special-effects makeup is what earned her top recognition and the Oscar nod. Suzi is no newcomer, however. As the founder of RedGirl FX, she has worked on hits such as Killing Eve, Dr Who, Ted Lasso, Sex Education and Silo, to name a few. Receiving an Oscar nomination is a testament to her skill and passion for her craft.

“As my peers will perhaps remember, I wore my love of Drama on my sleeve trying to be involved with as many plays as possible in the lovely old Ayckbourn Theatre, taking LAMDA exams up to Gold Medal and even mucking around doing performances in our rooms at Allenby,” Suzi recently told The Haileybury Society.

The entire Haileybury community joins in celebrating Christopher Nolan and Suzi Battersby. Their success not only brings pride to their alma mater but also serves as a source of inspiration for future generations of pupils looking to make their mark in the world of film and entertainment. We cannot wait to see what the pair achieve next.

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After making it across the Atlantic, our pupils didn’t wast any time exploring the concrete jungle. The experience began with a guided walking tour through the streets of Manhattan, followed by the first of the group’s inspirational theatre productions. As the sun set on day one, our thespians struck a pose by the Brooklyn Bridge to capture the memories against the backdrop of the city skyline.

The following day, Haileyburians were treated to a masterful workshop led by a a star from the renowned Chicago musical. The School cast practised choreography and the distinct slinky movements from the roaring 20s. After all that excitement, pupils took a stroll through the iconic Central Park which paved the way for spectacular views from the top of the Rockefeller Center—a spot many stars have graced before them.

The adventure continued with a morning of shopping and cultural exploration in Greenwich Village, Soho and Canal Street. In the evening, pupils dined in Little Italy which fuelled them for an unforgettable night on Broadway, where they were swept away by more dazzling performances. To top it all off, our pupils were treated to a post-show photo with Chicago triple-threat, James T. Lane.

Every step of our New York City Drama Trip provided pupils with inspiration for their upcoming roles. Don’t miss your chance to see our actors on stage. Tickets are now available for Haileybury’s Chicago: Teen Edition, running from 7-10 February at the Broxbourne Spotlight Theatre. Book your seats today.

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The Worst Witch

lluminated by a whimsical set design, our youngest pupils united once again for this Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of the popular classics by Jill Murphy. The story, which follows accident prone Mildred in her final year at Miss Cackle’s Academy, captivated audiences with a combination of song, dance, acting and magic. The show was so popular, in fact, that the cast performed to a sold out Ayckbourn Theatre three consecutive days in a row.

“The Worst Witch was a really successful production because it was such fun! It had a bit of everything: dancing, singing, a great band, a fantastic set, first class technical support and an excellent range of characters, brilliantly acted by the cast,” explained Mr Jacob Thomas, Director of Dramatic Arts.

On the clear impact the experience had on pupils’ courage, Mr Thomas went on to say that, “[the production] has fostered a love of performance for those involved, developed confidence and showcased the great range of talent within the Lower School. It’s an exciting prospect for the future.”

Der Wanderer: Songs of Travel

In the same week, pupils hit jaw-dropping notes during the Der Wanderer: Songs of Travel recital in Bradby Hall. Taking inspiration from Schubert’s famous lied of the same name, Haileyburians serenaded us with songs about travel and journeying. Each performance told its own story, upholding the traditional compositions of this Romantic period. It is interesting to note that this era of music was heavily inspired by art and literature, which is displayed in the songs’ vivid storytelling.

Many would agree that wandering is the perfect state of mind for creating art. Often when the body and mind are left to meander, ideas flow from within. Travel and journeying can be compared to the state of flow, the state all art is birthed from. An incredibly fitting theme for the song recital indeed.

“I was deeply impressed by the quality of work evident in this set-piece concert. The pupils invested fully in the preparation of their songs, with expert coaching from their teachers and Mr O’Brien, our wonderful Head of Choral Music and Voice. The theme of travel, of the everyman wanderer, and of eventual homecoming, proved a brilliant means of education for the pupils and a satisfying narrative for the appreciative audience. Congratulations to them all!” – Mr Simon Bland, Director of Music

In those moments where one misses the high note, forgets a line or stumbles during a dance move, we must feel reassured that these missteps only serve to build creative resilience. Every great artist was once a beginner and it is our unique privilege to witness and inspire Haileyburians’ paths to stardom.

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“Music at Haileybury has soared this term. From the massed choirs in Orff’s Carmina Burana to the jollity of Crash into Christmas, this has been a memorable and happy term. A personal highlight was the joy of seeing nine pupils performing concerto movements in front of an orchestra at the start of term. Since then, we never really lost the energy or enthusiasm gained that evening.”

Mr Simon Bland, Director of Music

Beginning the Autumn Term with a memorable start was the concerto concert. Several pupils flaunted their advanced musical abilities during their solo performances which were accompanied by a professional orchestra. Exuding confidence and grace, each pupil showed that they aren’t too dissimilar from the orchestra they played or sang with and that they too could become professional if they wished it. With such heartfelt performances, we are sure plenty of frisson rippled through the audience generously.

Next was the Michaelmas concert which included a symphony orchestra playing the adored works of Vaughan Williams and Ravel. Every hair was standing on end during the truly spectacular choral performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. The concert was made up of performances from the symphony orchestra, Lower School choir, Lower School cambiata, collegium voices, schola cantorum and chamber choir.

We then had a concert hosted by the Lower School’s chamber orchestra, concert band and other ensembles. The evening was a celebration of music that presented the pupil’s varied abilities in both group and solo performances. Their passion and skill radiated in every note during an exceptional concert that was in no way limited by their age.

Finally, Haileybury’s popular Music and Jazz department hosted Crash into Christmas which was an informal bounce into the Christmas season. The vibrant evening was packed full of a brilliant mix of both general and seasonal musical performances by the School’s intermediate and senior jazz bands, concert band and other ensembles. The Lower School Drama Club also performed four pleasant readings in the spirit of Christmas which were both humorous and poignant. It was a joyfully festive occasion that showcased the pupil’s vocal talents and stagecraft.

“We thank and congratulate all of those pupils whose endeavours have brought about a term of musical fireworks!”

Mr Simon Bland, Director of Music

The senior Drama pupils staged Freidrich Durrenmatt’s The Visit as the Autumn Term was coming to its final days. The pupils put on a remarkable performance of the tragicomic play, The Visit is renowned for its multiple locations, diverse characters, demanding techniques and numerous technical requirements yet the pupils appeared to tackle these challenges effortlessly. The production was a resounding success receiving five-star reviews from the audiences.

“After a shaky first night the final performances were triumphant: by burns chilling, hilarious, bizarre and thought-provoking. The hugely talented and multinational cast worked as a brilliant team, supporting each other on and off the stage.”

Mr Jacob Dylan Thomas, Director of Dramatic Arts

An eventful Autumn Term brought a spirited end to the year. We are excited to see what the Dramatic Arts and Music pupils will present in 2022.

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Challenging their skills

Designed as a choice based exercise which allows pupils to challenge their abilities, the Performance Drama Pathway provides a deeper understanding of the skills required for both stage and screen acting. Using techniques from 21st-century professional practice, pupils were allowed to dig deep into the areas involved in the acting profession, including acting skills, and the study of performance texts. They have also compared classical and contemporary performance practices.

Rather than relying solely on class-based learning, pupils were encouraged to take their new knowledge and skills into the real world, both as actors and taking on vital roles within a production team.

Out on the road

Jacob Dylan Thomas, Director of Dramatic Arts told us, “the Removes Drama pathway aims to integrate more closely the practical disciplines of acting, performance, design and production with the intellectual pursuit of academic drama, theatre studies and film studies to develop a radical, progressive and exciting new curriculum unencumbered by the restraints of exam board specifications and more aligned with the disciplines, skills and requirements of the professional industry and broader Arts culture.”

What the course covered

A packed eight-week schedule gave pupils a truly multi-disciplinary and immersive experience, areas covering;

• Film history – including a look at the pioneers of film, innovators in editing, the golden era of musicals, independent films, the first blockbusters and special effects.
• Fight choreography – where pupils learned how to create realistic and safe fight scenes.
• Cameras – how to shoot the three types of main camera angles.

This learning will be rounded off in the “10 Shot Challenge”, where pupils will take on different roles, ranging from actor to director and filming, and put all their newfound skills into practice.
Jemima from Hailey commented “We learned a range of different techniques that we wouldn’t have learned otherwise. I have new found respect for filmmakers – definitely not as easy as it seems!”
We can’t wait to see the final results of this course and hope our Removes pupils have enjoyed the opportunity to be immersed into real-world learning.

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The funny and deeply moving play, written by Dylan Thomas, involves a narrator inviting the audience to listen to the dreams and innermost thoughts of characters living in a fictional fishing village in Wales.

“It is the language of the play – so complex and rich – that drew me to it as a piece for our pupils,” said Jacob Thomas, Haileybury’s Director of Dramatic Arts.

Photo gallery here.

Watch the show here.

“Like Shakespeare, it must be understood and interpreted, deciphered and deconstructed so that the actor can take ownership of the multi-layered imagery, the extended metaphors and complex structure.

“Finding their way through the phrasing of some of these passages and making decisions about where they come from within the characters has been part of the acting experience for the company.

“As Dylan said to his New York cast before the first ever stage production: ‘Love the words’. Both Mr MacVicar (Haileybury Actor in Residence) and I have repeated this mantra to the company throughout rehearsals.”

There were, of course, challenges presented by the need to socially distance for the production – but pupils embraced the restrictions. Two members of the cast played their roles remotely via Zoom.

Mr Thomas said: “The pupils have demonstrated remarkable professionalism in their approach to the text and the constraints of performance, embracing the tricky language and learning much along the way.”

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Charlotte, who played the lead role in a school production of Mine last October, was selected following a successful audition alongside 3,000 other applicants.

Once she has completed an induction programme, Charlotte will have exclusive access to castings for national productions, films and TV shows.

“During the build-up to results day, I tried to maintain a very modest mindset,” she said. “Because I met a lot of people in my audition who told me this was their third of fourth time trying out, so I knew the competition was extremely high, and how difficult it is to get in.

“When the day came, I was extremely nervous, but as soon as the email came through telling me I’d been successful, I was thrilled, and honestly shocked.”

Charlotte, who went through a two-hour workshop before a one-on-one audition, benefited from the accelerated experience of preparing for a school production.

“If it wasn’t for the Sixth Form play I performed last October, I don’t think I would’ve been as prepared for my audition as I was,” she said.

“This process put us all under pressure, which worked in our favour, as we then produced the most amazing production.

“The feedback from the audience reminded me of my passion for acting – and how much I enjoy being on stage doing what I love the most.”

Charlotte says she was supported and inspired to succeed by her LAMDA teacher, Mrs Steedon, and the school’s Director of Dramatic Arts, Mr Thomas.

“I do believe that if I truly dedicate myself, anything can be possible,” said Charlotte, who dreams of landing big roles in the future.

“Not everyone is successful within the industry but getting into the National Youth Theatre is a huge step in the right direction. It has definitely paved a clear pathway that’ll help me achieve my dream.”

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The Drowsy Chaperone begins with a man in a chair who puts on his favourite record – a cast recording from a made-up 1920s musical – which comes to life.

“It promises to be an incredibly uplifting and entertaining performance,” said Jacob Thomas, Haileybury’s Director of Drama. “It’s a really funny piece full of hilarious characters and catchy tunes – feel-good theatre at its best.

“There are funny acting sequences, great dance sequences and brilliant songs. It is a clever and highly entertaining show, and also delightfully short-running at a little over 90 mins.”

The show parodies the golden age of Hollywood and musical theatre, with references to Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Buzby Berkely, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

The musical hit the West End in 2007, featuring Elaine Paige, John Partridge and Summer Strallen and received a string of 2008 Olivier Award nominations.

On Broadway, there were 674 performances of The Drowsy Chaperone between 2006 and 2007. New York Magazine called it “the perfect Broadway musical.”

The Haileybury production at Hertford Theatre (pictured above) runs from Wednesday 5 February (7.30 pm) through Thursday 6 February (2 pm and 7.30 pm) until Friday 7 February (7.30 pm).

Tickets are purchased on a ‘pay what you can’ basis which means the event can be booked for nothing and a contribution is made on the night.

“We hope this makes the show accessible to all,” Jacob said. “It removes cost barriers which can sometimes be prohibitive, especially in the West End. Most of all, it’s fun. Come and enjoy it!”

TICKET INFO

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