Members of Berkhamsted School's teaching and support staff performed the original pantomime 'Cinderella / Cinderfella' to sell-out audiences at the school's Centenary Hall theatre on 21st and 22nd January to raise funds for former pupil Henry Fraser. Over £4,000 was raised from the performances.
Henry, who attended the school from 2003 to 2008, was involved in a tragic swimming accident last summer which damaged his spinal cord, leaving him unable to move his arms and legs. The School was delighted to welcome Henry and his family to the Friday night performance.
The pantomime was specially written by Richard McIlwaine, who retired from full time teaching at Berkhamsted School last year, and was directed by Drama teacher Lin Instone.
The entire cast - which included Vice Principal Dr Helen Brooke and Head of Girls Ashley Clancy as 'Executive' witches and Headmaster of Sixth Form Jeremy Walker and Head of Boys Chris Nicholls as Cinderella's ugly sisters Malicia and Cruella - threw their inhibitions aside to sing, dance and joke their way through two hours of family entertainment.
Geography teacher Julia Hughes was a delightful Cinderella while her male alter ego Cinderfella was played superbly - party dress and all - by PE teacher Dave Gibson. Director of Boys' Sport Richard Mackay gave an energetic and entertaining performance as Prince Charming, while Drama teacher Paul Harvey played the pivotal role of Buttons like a true professional.
Other characters included witches (performing 'Hey Big Spender'), vampires ('Don't Worry, Be Happy') and trolls ('Always Look on the Bright Side of Life') with hilarious guest appearances by the casts of 'Friends', 'Absolutely Fabulous', 'Allo,'Allo!' and 'Lord of the Rings'.
Writer Richard McIlwaine comments: "Despite the dreadful weather conditions, which meant that key rehearsals had to be cancelled, we've had enormous fun rehearsing the pantomime and we hope our audiences enjoyed themselves. Henry Fraser is an exceptional, charming and brave young man who was an asset to the school in so many ways. It is most fitting that all profits from the show will go to his Trust Fund. We wish him well in the future challenges he has set for himself."
Photography: Sacha van Straten
