On a balmy summer's evening in May, a dramatic
change to the King's landscape was officially
unveiled. After months spent watching a hole
in the lawn outside Meynell get bigger and
bigger, then smarter and smarter, the school witnessed
the opening of a dazzling new amphitheatre.
Nestled between the theatre and the sports hall, the
latest venue for the performing arts was designed by
architect Rob Mitchel (who had also designed the awardwinning Philip Richards Building) and constructed
by local builders George Bros. The 260-seat structure
is finished in a combination of red brick and Cornish
granite facings, and boasts not just integrated lighting
for the audience, but all the theatre facilities needed
by the stage crews. The whole endeavour was made
possible by the great generosity of an OA, who wishes
to remain anonymous.
On that balmy evening in May, the amphitheatre was
officially opened by Professor Alan Outram, Head of
Archaeology at Exeter University, in a ceremony mixing
words and music. The very first audience to range themselves on
the tiers of the new structure was made up of parents, friends
and pupils, who had come to be part of this special moment
in King's history. Before unveiling a commemorative plaque,
Professor Outram spoke warmly of how pleased he was that the
King's amphitheatre was a real amphitheatre - not one of those
semi-circular jobs! After a few words from the Headmaster and a
blessing from the Chaplain (including a liberal sprinkling of holy
water on amphitheatre and audience) the tape was cut and the
amphitheatre was open for business.
Their Hour Upon the Stage
After the official ceremony had been completed, the audience
settled into their seats (the idea of bringing a cushion had
occurred to the majority of the adults, not so much to the pupils)
and were treated to an evening of dramatic scenes and popular
music numbers. The show (devised by Harriet Agg-Manning)
made the most of its setting, being theatre very much in the
round, with actors re-appearing from unexpected points in the
amphitheatre throughout the evening.
Headmaster Richard Biggs introduces Prof. Outram Paddy Cartwright, Emily Albery and Joe Merriweather
All The World's a Stage
By Josh Stickland
A sparkling opening ceremony marked the unveiling of the new King's
Amphitheatre
Father Mark blesses the amphitheatre
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