Oakham’s QET Marks 40 Years with Star-Studded Celebration

Oakham School’s QET celebrated its 40th anniversary in style, with distinguished alumni from the world of theatre and the arts returning to join the festivities.

The celebrations began with a special anniversary performance of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, a gripping and masterfully executed production by Director of Drama Gilly Norell that showcased the exceptional talent of our pupils. The audience, which included pupils past and present, current and former staff, and members of the School Community, was captivated by the hauntingly powerful performance that paid homage to the QET’s long tradition of ambitious and high-calibre theatre.

Following the show, attendees were treated to a commemorative film titled What does the QET and Oakham Drama Mean to Me? which featured reflections from alumni actors, directors, and creatives who have gone on to pursue careers in the world of film, television, music, and theatre. Their heartfelt messages highlighted the profound impact of the QET on their personal and professional journeys, celebrating it as a space where passions were ignited and lifelong friendships formed.

Actor Richard Hope (’71) and Actor and Comedian Miles Jupp (’98) took to the stage after the final bow, drawing thunderous applause as they presented Director of Drama Gilly Norell with a stunning bouquet of flowers. The pair praised Gilly and the student cast for their extraordinary achievement in bringing such an intricate and technically demanding production to life.

The afternoon concluded with a celebratory gathering in the Barraclough Dining Hall, where guests enjoyed refreshments and shared memories, with a beautifully crafted birthday cake, adorned with images from four recent productions, taking centre stage.

Director of Drama Gilly Norell paid tribute to the four previous Directors of Drama – the late Dermot Gilvary, Dave Smith, Ian Mann, and Jay Green – thanking them “for the foundations they laid for this great theatre and the wonderful legacy they provide for me to build upon. I hope that I too, in my turn, will leave such a legacy”.

Director of Development and Engagement, Samantha Rowntree, reflected on the afternoon: “The QET has been a cornerstone of creative expression at Oakham for four decades. Today’s celebration was not only a tribute to its history but also a reminder of the transformative power of theatre to inspire and connect us.”

“Whilst the QET remains a cherished space, we have ambitious plans to refurbish and develop Old School that will create a much-needed, useable, and inspiring space for future generations of Oakhamians to make precious memories.”

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View pictures of the celebrations in the gallery below.