My Trinity, Summer 2023

Alumni in the News - page 4

Alumni in the Spotlightpage 12

Memory Lane - page 40

In Memoriam - page 44

Welcome to the summer term edition of our newsletter, in which we celebrate all things theatre and entertainment in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Mitre Players’ founding. As a school of performing arts enthusiasts, it’s fitting that we dedicate this edition to the history and accomplishments of our beloved theatre group.

Over the past five decades, the Mitre Players have captivated audiences with their exceptional productions, providing a platform for aspiring actors, directors, and technicians to showcase their talents. From classic plays to musicals and contemporary productions, the Mitre Players have consistently raised the bar for community theatre, inspiring a new generation of performers and artists.

Watch the video in the Memory Lane section with some of the Mitre Players founding members - Andy Thompson, Tony Britten, Colin Warnock, and Martin Tyrrell, who give an entertaining account of how it all began.

We tracked down some of our other theatrical alumni from across the generations: actor and former president of Equity, Malcolm Sinclair (Class of 1969); director, musician, and writer, Mark Helyar (Class of 1984); former Head of Publicity for Drama, Entertainment and Film at the BBC and now Managing Director and founder of his own PR company, Ian Johnson (Class of 1986); actor and founder of Gutter Street Theatre Company, Isobel Warner (Class of 2013); and, most recently, Elaine

We hope that this edition of the newsletter will encourage you to reminisce about your time in school productions or with the Mitre Players, and rekindle your passion for theatre and entertainment. We wish you all a wonderful summer full of creativity, inspiration, and enjoyment.

Warm regards,

Jones (Class of 2020), who graduates from Guildford School of Acting this summer.

4 Alumni in the News

12 Alumni in the Spotlight –Elaine Jones 2020

16 Alumni in the Spotlight –Isobel Warner 2013

20 Alumni in the Spotlight –Ian Johnson 1986

24 Alumni in the Spotlight –Mark Helyar 1984

28 Alumni in the Spotlight –Malcolm Sinclair 1969

Trinity wins World Schools Netball Cup

Trinity’s 1st VII Netball team took part in the World Schools Netball Cup for the first time and after a tough three days of playing, beat Gordon’s School to be crowned champions.

Peter Pan & Wendy released on Disney+ starring Alex Molony

It’s been a big year for Fifth Year student Alexander Molony who played the leading role in Disney’s latest remake, Peter Pan & Wendy, released in April this year. He stars alongside British actor Jude Law as Captain Hook and Milla Jovovich’s daughter, Ever Anderson, as Wendy.

Ed Thomas signs Charlton Athletic FC contract

Congratulations to Third Year student Ed Thomas who has recently signed a contract with Charlton Athletic Football Club. Ed is captain of Trinity U14A team and has enjoyed a great season of school football at the same time as juggling training with the academy.

Students win national Samsung competition

Congratulations to three Lower Sixth students who won the top prize of £10,000 in Samsung’s national Solve for Tomorrow Competition. The competition challenges young people to come up with an idea for a product, service or app that can make a positive contribution to society and the planet.

Eco-Schools Green Flag awarded to Trinity

We are thrilled to announce that, after much hard work by the student-led Green Council and Mrs Prestney, Trinity has been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag in recognition of the commitment by students and the school to sustainability issues.

For more school news, click here: https://trinity-school.org/news/

Jarrod Nelson, Class of 2016

Jarrod has been with High Focus Records since December and released an EP called Cocoa Butter, alongside a limited run of scarves, which have caught a fair amount of attention. Since signing, the scale of shows has increased dramatically, with performances at recent venues including the Steel Yard and Fabric. His next project, Off the Grid will be released in June on High Focus records. He says, “My development as an artist is evident on this next project, as I have pushed so many more boundaries, so keep an eye out for that one.”

View his artist page here:

Nadia Eskandari, Class of 2016

Nadia is the violist for, Vulva Voce, an all-female genre-defying string quartet that brings exciting, dynamic performances of music composed by women and underrepresented voices to spaces and venues beyond the concert hall. Their mission is to break away from long-held conventions of classical music and the string quartet, presenting audiences with radical and refreshing musical experiences. They are all classically trained, but with interests in folk, jazz, improvisation, contemporary classical, and experimental music-making, their performances are a unique delve into female composers from across centuries.

To find out more, including how to get tickets to upcoming gigs, click here:

David Picksley, Class of 1951

David, aged 90, was the oldest competitor in this year’s London Marathon, becoming the first to record a master’s marathon record in the British male 90+ category. He finished the race in an impressive time of 7:16:46. Click on the link to help him raise even more money for Bowel Cancer UK:

Thabo Witter, Class of 2022

Thabo represents Great Britain U19s Lions squad in American Football. He has been playing American Football since he was 12 years old and recently competed in the IFAF European Championships against Italy in Milan. Another Trinity alumnus representing his country.

Jack Broadfoot, Class of 2000

Jack is taking part in the Superhero Triathlon at Dorney Lake, Windsor on 12 August for Southampton Hospitals Charity to raise money for the Wessex Spinal Unit. Jack was involved in a cycling accident last year in Greece; he broke his neck, damaged his spinal cord, and was immediately paralysed from the neck down. When he arrived at University Hospital Southampton (UHS), the spinal doctors feared that he would never walk or live independently again. His recovery against the odds owes much to the incredible care he received on the Neuro ICU and at the F4 Spinal Ward / Wessex Spinal Unit. Sponsor him here:

Kira Chathli, Class of 2017

Kira has been named as one of the players for the Oval Invincibles in The Hundred starting on 1 August. Get your tickets to watch her play here:

Joe Pepper, Class of 2010

Joe was diagnosed with choroideremia when he was ten years old. The degenerative disease causes progressive sight loss and mainly affects men. Sadly, as his condition worsened, he became socially reclusive and had to give up his beloved sports. But, thanks to a pioneering gene therapy technique, not only can Joe now see better than before, but he coaches pupils in cricket, football, and rugby at the school where he teaches history. He is now lobbying the government to ensure more people suffering sight loss can benefit from the life-changing treatment he has received. To read more about his story, click here:

Laurence Watchorn, Class of 2017

Laurence has been a fantastic artist in residence this year. He has turned the Shaw Gallery into a dynamic and exciting studio space, with his work spanning the entirety of the floor. The scale and ambition of his work have been impressive to see, and it is clear why he is becoming so successful.

The Trinity community were invited to a private exhibition of his work in the Shaw Gallery before it transferred to a gallery in central London.

Alex Codling, Class of 1992

Newcastle Falcons has appointed Alex Codling as head coach this summer. Alex spent the 2022-23 season at French club Oyonnax, helping them win the Pro D2 regular season by 24 points in their pursuit of a place in the top flight. His previous coaching roles have included forwards coach at Harlequins, head coach at Ealing Trailfinders and assistant coach to the English national team for their 2021 June internationals.

Reuben Moonasar, Class of

Dead Air formed in 2020 after university to write their own music. Following a brief became three when the talented musician, the trio.

Dead Air moves beyond traditional hard love of a good riff, but also a tight groove like to bang that head, but also belt out hands with Dead Air and what the band “Rock & Rock” genre.

The band are about to go back into the There will be visual assets released alongside They performed their biggest headline gig Herne Hill earlier this month and went down Check out their YouTube channel:

2016

university friends Lyle & Rich decided brief record shop encounter, two musician, Reuben joined to complete music, exploring not only their groove and anthemic melody. If you a chorus, then you are in good jokingly describes as their studio to record four singles. alongside each track. gig to date at “Off the Cuff” in down a storm.

Kathy Rogers, Class of 2017

Kathy and current Upper Sixth student Lucy Bullock represented Great Britain at the Women’s Water Polo World Cup 2023 in Berlin.

After finishing her studies at Trinity and playing in the only girls’ team to win bronze at the National Finals, Kathy won a full sports scholarship to the University of Michigan in 2017. Michigan have one of the top water polo teams in the USA and Kathy majored in Public Health with a minor in Food & Nutrition. She is now a dual Masters student, studying Epidemiology and Global Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the University of Manchester, respectively.

On top of this, Kathy plays professional water polo for Larissa in Greece, and captains the Great Britain women’s water polo team.

Vishvapani Blomfield, Class of 1983

If you listen to Today on Radio 4, you may well recognise the voice of Vishvapani, one of their regular contributors on Thought for the Day. Vishvapani is a member of the Triratna Buddhist Order. He is a writer and mindfulness teacher based in Cardiff, where he lives with his wife and son. Vishvapani’s work explores how time-honoured Buddhist practices such as mindfulness and meditation can be accessible forces for social change in the modern world. To find out more, click here:

Mark Sheldon Lloyd, Class of 1991

Mark is an experienced plastic surgeon, specialising in ear reconstruction and skin procedures, as well as a property investor and all-round entrepreneur. He recently launched his own podcast “The Mark Sheldon Lloyd Show” and describes it as the perfect channel to get valuable advice and insight into property investment, cars, business, and more. Head over to his YouTube channel to watch all the episodes:

Tim Garrard, Class of 1998

It was wonderful to see Tim, Director of Music at Westminster School, conducting The King’s Scholars as they proclaimed the new King and his Queen Consort in the traditional Vivats exclamation at the Coronation earlier this year.

Tim Walls, Class of 1984

Tim ran the London Marathon in April, raising money for the Spinal Injuries Association and Cancer Research and hoping to break 4hrs. He said, “I have run two, officially I am retired from marathons, but just in case, I have entered the ballot for next year. Nearly anything is achievable, if you aim high, you will achieve something.”

View his Just giving page here:

Josh Leigh, Class of 2016

Since graduating from the Tonmeister degree at the University of Surrey, Josh has been working for a company called Plus4 Audio, which provide the audio for TV and reality TV shows, as well as various awards shows. Most recently, he has worked on Strictly Come Dancing, BAFTA TV awards and The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan.

Whilst working, he has been gigging as much as possible around a very busy sound engineer schedule. However, he’s not been able to gig as much as he’d like and has recently handed in his notice to pursue musicianship full time.

Josh says, “It is still very early days as I’m currently in that transition to making myself a full-time freelance musician, it is a very exciting and terrifying time!” Watch this space... Josh is performing at the Edinburgh Fringe this August. To get tickets click here:

Elaine Jones, Class of 2020

Elaine is one of our more recent theatrical graduates, having left Trinity in 2020. She enrolled in the BA (Hons) Actor-Musician degree course at Guildford School of Acting, one of the most highly regarded theatre schools in the UK, and graduates this year. Her future looks promising, with a role already secured in the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

How did your experience at Trinity influence your decision to pursue further education in theatre at Guildford School of Acting (GSA)? Were there any specific teachers or mentors at Trinity who positively influenced your passion for theatre?

I think the plethora of extracurricular drama and music activities meant that I was able

to really immerse myself in what I enjoyed outside of school time, which helped me realise that it was what I wanted to do full time. All the teachers who ran those activities - Mr Chambers, Ms Robinson, Mr Swinson, Mr Pettitt, Mr Holdsworth - helped me expand on my enjoyment of music and drama outside of academics. All my teachers really helped and supported me, even the maths

teachers, when I made it very clear that I was going to drop maths as soon as I could!

Can you share how Trinity supported you in your choice of further education in theatre and what resources or opportunities they provided that helped you in your journey towards GSA? You turned down an offer at Cambridge to go to GSA; was this a tough decision, and how did the school support you with this?

I had to spend a lot of time really deliberating between the two schools, as obviously they are both very prestigious in their respective fields. Mr Chambers was a big help, as he had gone to Cambridge and then made it into theatre too. He helped me prepare my audition monologue, which was really helpful. I spoke to all my academic subject teachers and the music teachers, and they encouraged me to do whatever felt right.

In the end, it came down to how excited I was to receive the offers. I remember getting my Cambridge acceptance email after a netball match and thinking, “Oh, that’s nice”, and then carrying on with my day, whereas when I got the GSA offer email in the Sixth Form Centre, I couldn’t stop grinning like

an idiot and ran to tell my friends - that was a pretty clear sign to me about which one I cared more about and should pursue.

What skills, knowledge, or experiences from Trinity do you feel have been valuable in your course at GSA and in preparing you for your future career in theatre?

I think my ability to organise my time has been really useful. At Trinity, I had an after-school extracurricular activity basically every day, so arranging homework and downtime as well as music practice around that has helped me prepare for the intense 9am-7pm GSA schedule, and for the busy life of auditioning after I graduate. I’m also right in the middle of writing my dissertation, so I must thank Dr Asquith and Mr Ryan for their essay-writing skills! The text-based work we do now is a breeze because of them. I also have to confess that I am absolutely terrified of accidentally committing tax fraud next year, being self-employed, so we’ll see if the maths teachers left an

impression on me.

Can you talk about any notable experiences or projects you were involved in at the Guildford School of Acting that have enriched your skills and prepared you for the professional theatre industry?

One of my second-year projects was Anna Karenina, which for me was one of the first difficult texts I’ve tackled. I played Anna during one part, which has really helped me develop my character work and figure out how I work best. I also ended up covering the role of Anna in a different section of the play because everyone was dropping like flies with Covid, so I learnt how to sight-read text more effectively and put my own spin on a role I had got used to watching someone else do.

In my first and second GSA thirdyear shows, I was appointed assistant music director, which was really helpful as I would love to music direct one day. It was also great as we have external creatives brought in for these shows, so I was able to work

side by side with experienced professionals, which made me feel much more relaxed about going into the big wide world soon. I was also lucky enough to participate in the Represent Asian concert at the Phoenix Arts Club in London, which is a showcase of musical theatre for performers of Asian heritage, who are often underrepresented in theatre.

What are your hopes and aspirations for your future career in theatre, and how do you plan to apply what you’ve learnt at GSA to achieve those goals?

I would really like to try out all different kinds of acting! We took some screen classes last year, and I found them fascinating. I’d love to be in a film or TV show one

day. I think my aspirations mainly lie on the stage, though. At GSA, we covered almost every aspect of stage work, so I think I’m fully prepared to act in plays, musicals, actor-musician shows, and maybe play in the pit of a musical. I’ll be taking my notebook full of wise words from my teachers; my favourite quote is: “Acting is easy. Actually, no, it’s not; it’s really hard. But it’s actually easy.”

Are there any specific acting techniques or approaches that you learnt at Guildford School of Acting that have had a significant impact on your craft and artistic development?

All I know now is that I think method acting does not work beyond an extent, and I do NOT like Laban’s Efforts (the movement principles and theories developed by Rudolf Laban, which aim to describe and analyse human movement and its expressive qualities).

Really, though, I think my approach now is much less perfectionist and has a better sense of play to it, which really helps with devising,

but also just makes it more fun for everyone involved. I am also more accepting of what I can bring to a role personally. In acting, it’s hard not to take things personally sometimes, but you just need to remember that it’s not that you’re bad; you’re just not what they wanted on that day for that project! There’s something else for which you will be the perfect fit down the line.

How has your time at GSA helped you further develop your unique artistic voice and style, and how do you plan to incorporate that into your future work in theatre?

I think I am more open now that I have been through GSA. Before going, I thought I was a musician who could act, dance, and maybe sing a bit, but not that well, whereas now I think I present myself more confidently and don’t put myself forward as just one thing.

Can you discuss any challenges you faced during your time at GSA and how you overcame them, as well as any lessons you learnt from those experiences that you plan to

carry with you into your career in theatre?

My first year of university was almost entirely on Zoom, which, as you can probably imagine, isn’t compatible with 9am singing lessons or ballet lessons in a tiny uni flat with 14 flatmates. I had a really hard time with it, especially because it took a very long time for our whole course to meet each other properly. It has helped greatly with self-taping though; most of what we did in our first year ended up being self-taped, which makes it a lot easier now when I get requests to self-tape a first-round audition.

In what ways do you feel GSA has prepared you for the professional theatre industry, and what do you believe will be your biggest strengths as you start your career?

I think the whole experience as well as the classes have really helped me prepare to put my best foot forward in the real world. I have learnt to be more confident in what I bring to the table as well as to develop all my

skills in a well-rounded way. I feel I’ve improved in all areas at least a little bit.

What are your immediate and long-term plans and aspirations as you graduate from Guildford School of Acting and embark on your career in theatre, and how do you plan to continue your growth and development as an actor?

I have just been cast as Starveling in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, which I am super-excited about! I am also taking part in a workshop for a new actor-musician musical called Cliffs at BEAM at the Oxford Playhouse in May, which is really cool. We also filmed our showcase last term, and I’m hoping that, after it has been released, I will have a few agent offers, which would make finding future jobs even easier. My aim for the rest of this year is to hopefully be booked and busy, to move closer to central London (unless jobs take me elsewhere), and to continue working to improve my skillset.

Isobel Warner, Class of 2013

Isobel joined Trinity in 2011 as one of the first cohort of girls. She went on to study English at university, before working in the West End and joining the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain.

She is co-founder of Gutter Street, a theatre company and artist collective that produces plays and multi-arts events across London, with a focus on cultivating a creative community.

Can you tell us about your journey from Trinity School to university and ultimately starting Gutter Street theatre company? What inspired you to pursue this path?

I fell in love with Trinity when looking around and I was in total awe of the Mitre Theatre for drama students. I studied drama, English literature and history at A Level and I knew I wanted to pursue a career as a performer. I had wanted to be an

actor from my first theatre visit as a child to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Regent Park’s Open Air Theatre. I was utterly obsessed with Puck and his tricks and I wanted to be able to create the same magic on stage and to entertain people. Studying at Trinity and getting to spend every day in a theatre space allowed me to develop my acting skills and explore other creative opportunities. It allowed me to discover how to be a theatre-maker,

writer, director, critic and not just a performer.

After leaving Trinity in 2013, I studied English at university; my aim was to gain a degree that would support my future creative work, with a view to applying to drama school once I had graduated. After university though, I was keen to break out of the education system, but realised I knew no actors or anyone who wanted to be one! So, I took up work in the West End, working in theatres alongside aspiring actors, composers, directors and writers. It was a great opportunity to network and I discovered a wealth of workshops, courses and creative spaces in London that I soon became a regular at.

A new theatre friend, Leo Flanagan, recommended that I audition for the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, which led to my first role on a West End stage. Leo and I soon began making short films, writing scripts and, alongside another friend, Josh Barrow, we started Gutter Street - a theatre company and artist collective. In 2018 we began producing plays and multi-arts events across London, with a focus on cultivating a creative community.

Were there any particular teachers or mentors at Trinity School who helped shape your creative vision? What were some of the key lessons, or skills you learnt from them?

My drama teachers certainly had a huge influence on my having the courage to pursue a career within the arts. They were fair in their explanation of just how tough the industry is, but when they saw talent in someone, they encouraged and celebrated it.

Mr Mazur and Ms Sanders were both inspiring teachers and mentors throughout my AS and A Levels. In lessons we were pushed to find our own unique creative responses to characters and situations. Ms Sanders taught me the importance of detail when putting a performance together; considering costume, set, props and other world-building elements that help to develop an imaginary space when devising new work. I also came away with a strong understanding of the challenges of the industry through Mr Mazur’s classes; he treated us like adults and delivered feedback that would

push our performances to be the best they could be. I learnt a lot about the discipline that comes with creativity, which has been instrumental in setting up a theatre company. My classmates’ talent also encouraged me to challenge myself as a performer and theatre-maker.

Performing in school plays and taking part in the National Theatre Connections Festival involved collaborating with a cast and crew with a range of brilliant skills, and we got to work with younger students. This was an exciting way to meet people across Trinity School and broke down barriers between year groups. Directed by Mr Godfrey, these shows were always a joy to perform in. I loved being a part of a close-knit creative community and that definitely influenced my interest in creating a community through Gutter Street.

What challenges did you face while starting the Gutter Street theatre company, and how did you overcome them?

I had never set up my own company before and I did not

come from a business background, so I knew that setting up a theatre company was going to be . . . interesting. I reached out to friends who worked within the arts for advice and I found there were a lot of courses and workshops designed for creatives starting their own business. As an actor, you have to think of yourself as a business and a brand, but if you have an agent to negotiate contracts and handle that side of things for you, the business side feels very new. We got to grips with it much quicker than expected and learnt as we went along.

Our biggest challenge came with the pandemic in 2020. It was a devastating time for the arts as all work came to an abrupt stop. We had a year of new writing shows planned, a play booked in and cast, and suddenly we had to cancel it all. But being actors, none of us could sit around for long without needing an audience, so we took our shows online. We ran weekly new writing shows on Instagram

Live where performers shared their music, poetry and monologues with us and our followers. It was a huge challenge adapting our intimate cosy shows to work on a new platform, but it gave us an opportunity to work with people across the world. We had viewers from the USA to Singapore, and it helped to expand our creative community in a way we had never thought possible.

How has Trinity School supported your success as a theatre company founder?

The most important lessons I learnt from Trinity were to have courage in your decisions, confidence in yourself and to always ask for help if needed. Trinity has been a huge

influence in my success. Working in the arts, you hear the word “no” a lot. So the need for perseverance I learnt at school has had a great impact on how I deal with the more difficult aspects of the industry.

When producing plays, you must be very resourceful, often sourcing props, set, costume, rehearsal spaces on a very tight budget. I thrive with these challenges, getting creative and reaching out to my network. Trinity not only gave me the confidence to do this, but has supported almost every play we have produced. I got in touch with Mr Chambers, who I found out also produced theatre through his own company and he kindly opened the doors (quite literally) to us. We have spent many a happy afternoon in the costume cupboards and props stores at Trinity, borrowing pieces for shows, for which we will be forever grateful! I feel very lucky to come from a school that not only encourages your career dreams while you study, but actively supports your work even years after you have left.

Can you share some career highlights to date with Gutter Street?

I would say that some top highlights include running monthly new writing nights where we commission creatives to write and perform a piece inspired by a theme we provide. They can perform monologues, music, spoken word, comedy, whatever they feel is the best medium to share their story. Going from a basement bar with ten audience members to producing regular sold-out shows to huge numbers, both in person and online (we livestream our shows), has

been really exciting. My personal highlights have included working with other Trinity alumni and students and hosting them on our stage.

Producing new plays by up-and-coming writers is always a great achievement for Gutter Street. We recently brought Feathers by Leo Flanagan to The Lion & Unicorn Theatre, which received five-star reviews and was a great success. What made it so special for me was that our drama class visited the Lion & Unicorn Theatre when I was at Trinity to watch and review a show. It was very exciting to be back in a space I had visited as a student as a professional theatre producer.

Isobel Warner

What sets Gutter Street apart from other theatre companies and how has it made a positive impact on your community?

Community is at the heart of everything we do. Our aim is to provide a space for people to share their work in a safe environment. Our new writing nights feel as though you are in a friend’s living room, sharing something rough and unpolished with a room full of supportive people. We do not put pressure on performers to be perfect, rather we value having the courage to stand up and perform. Everyone who shares something on our stage is given edited footage of their performance, which has allowed them to successfully apply for opportunities across established arts institutions, from Theatre 503 to the BBC. Ultimately, our work revolves around providing support for anyone in the arts who is looking to collaborate and create.

What advice do you have for current students at Trinity School who may be interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts or starting their own theatre company?

Everyone will tell you that a career in the arts is difficult. They are right. But if it is something you are truly passionate about and you are prepared to work extremely hard, go for it. I thought I could survive on acting work solely, but you soon learn that you need to have multiple skills and roles within the industry to support yourself.

That is why I set up Gutter Street, to be a destination for fellow creatives who are paving their ever-changing paths in a challenging industry. Whether you want to be an actor, writer, director or producer, you have to put yourself out there and make connections. This is also a brilliant way to find out about courses, classes and workshops you can attend to continue developing your skills. If the performing arts really is the right path for you, please know that you will always have a home at Gutter Street. We have had the pleasure of working with Trinity students and alumni, including Emeline Beroud, Sophie Greenfield, Crispin Lord, Sarah Bingham, Will Gao and Safiya Tiotto-Smith.

I would love for this list to keep growing!

What’s next for Gutter Street and Isobel Warner? Do you have any upcoming projects or plans?

Gutter Street has been running for five years and it has grown from a one-off play put together by a few friends in 2018 to producing multiple new writing shows, new plays, a podcast and an online writers’ club. We are working on a series of radio plays we hope to record soon and share with our community. We are also focusing on funding as all our projects have been self-funded by our team, which is why we set up Patreon, where people can subscribe and get a plethora of Gutter Street goodies in return, from merchandise to free tickets. There is certainly a lot to keep us busy for the time being, but we are big dreamers with an even bigger vision for the company. Personally, I am working on a plan to facilitate acting workshops at our Gutter Street HQ while continuing with my own work as an actor.

Ian Johnson, Class of 1986

Ian left Trinity in 1986 to study English literature at the University of Leicester. He was actively involved in the drama club at school and performed in many school productions. He wrote, directed, and produced the winning house play in 1986 for Canterbury.

He is the founder and Managing Director of IJPR, a PR agency for some of the biggest TV shows in the world.

In his previous work at the BBC, Ian was Head of Publicity for Drama, Entertainment, and Film from 2001-2004 and was Head of Special Projects in Publicity from 2004-2006.

Can you tell us about your time at Trinity and how it influenced your career path?

I joined Trinity in January 1980 aged 13. It had never occurred to my

parents that an independent school would be a possibility as no-one in my family sent their kids to public school. It was only after the Surrey County Council ran a scheme for “bright” kids to get subsidised to go to fee-paying schools that they became aware of bursaries and scholarships. I won a full bursary, based on my dad’s income, and joined a term late in the first year.

I have to say that I largely loved

being at Trinity. In retrospect, it was a perfect place to both flex my creative muscle and have some discipline to get up to speed on the subjects I was less focused on. I was always on the lookout for something exciting to do, which could get me into trouble, but I now realise the incredible privilege of having the support, budget, and space to experiment with photography, sculpture, drama, or writing for the school magazine.

I was something of a pop obsessive, reading from Smash Hits to assembled classmates in the corridor and going to gigs in Croydon and beyond when we were (almost) old enough to do so. I’d always wanted to be a music journalist since the age of 13, and it was the creative freedom and encouragement I experienced at school that allowed me to go to university, continue with my extracurricular activities, and ultimately have the confidence and belief that I would work in the creative industries in some capacity.

You were involved in drama productions during your time at Trinity. How did this lead to your involvement with the Mitre Players?

I had an incredibly supportive

drama and English teacher in Walter Swan. I found out recently that he had passed away and never got the chance to say how important he was to my education and development. He was funny, enthusiastic, and creative, and he knew just how to harness a pupil’s ideas and steer them towards something more concrete. He directed me as the Maniac in Accidental Death of an Anarchist (a part some would say I was born for) and, from my recollection, one of the other cast members was also a member of the Mitre Players, which is how I ended up joining.

The Mitre Players are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Can you share some of your favourite memories from your time with the group?

I was in the chorus of Mr Cinders (I can still sing the score to this day), and just before the opening night I decided to bleach my hair bottle blond. It didn’t really work (even though the hairdresser friend who did it has just been nominated for a BAFTA!) and I had a Belisha beacon

orange hairdo that didn’t really fit with the period costumes...

You became the second Trinity alumnus to appear on Blind Date with Cilla Black in the late 1980swe want all the details!

The full story is that I went along because I thought it would be funny. They then offered to pay my expenses to come down to London from university, and all I could think about was how to get to London for nothing and then keep the money! When I turned up, there was an improvisation, with my old English and drama teacher from school, Walter Swan, in charge.

I then went back to do my finals, and the day after they finished, I received a call asking me to go back to London. I thought it was another rehearsal or improvisation and I turned up in the clothes I was standing in, only to realise I was going to be on the show. The next morning, I was flying to Florida. They’d asked me to bring my passport, but I didn’t think I would actually be going anywhere.

Can you tell us about the challenges and highlights of founding IJPR, and what inspired you to start your own PR agency?

I didn’t really give much thought to setting up an agency. I was leaving the BBC after five years as head of drama and entertainment publicity, and it just felt like the right thing to do to allow me to get back to being hands-on with PR campaigns for TV shows rather than being a manager. From there, it just grew, and a lot of the executives who I had worked with at ITV and the BBC were setting up their own indies. Shows like Call the Midwife, Wallander, and Rev were all being made by people I enjoyed working with, and they wanted a safe pair of hands to look after the publicity for the series in the UK and internationally. That coincided with the new government tax incentives for high-end drama and the rise of streaming platforms, so producers

- Alumni Spotlight: Ian Johnson

had the budget to make shows like The Crown, Killing Eve, Sherlock, and His Dark Materials. It’s all been quite organic, and I’m lucky to have clients who have stayed with me for several years.

How do you balance creativity and strategy in your work as a PR professional?

With difficulty. I veer towards creative ideas and implementing them on a global scale with multiple stakeholders can be a challenge. Often, it’s easier to be innovative and creative when a small number of people are involved. The Killing Eve key art photo with Jodie Comer putting Sandra Oh into a headlock was an idea dreamt up by myself and the executive producer. We got Phoebe Waller-Bridge on board with the idea and just ambushed BBC America at the marketing shoot with it. Probably the most memorable and effective

photo-shoot I’ve ever been involved with.

How do you stay up to date with the ever-changing world of media and communications, and what advice would you give to someone starting out in this field?

Ravenously consume the medium you are involved with. If you want to work in TV, you need to be fully immersed in it. I love working in TV and with writers, directors, and actors. Going to see a play or film written or performed by someone I am working with isn’t work; it’s fun. And as much as it’s important to stay up to date with the latest TV or technology, there’s also space to keep your eyes and ears open for interesting things happening in theatre, opera, or pop music. Being open to new ideas is everything.

Can you share a particularly challenging or rewarding project you’ve worked on during your time at IJPR?

A challenging project was being given five weeks to launch the TV station London Live after a previous agency pulled out. The team never quite forgave me. Rewarding work has included being involved in Killing Eve from the very first read through to becoming an international success. The Crown probably encapsulates the most challenging and rewarding. When you’re having to deal with a global news story about the gender pay divide on the first series, it can be quite difficult to manage. But a few months later, you’re watching it win Golden Globes and BAFTAs.

How has the PR industry changed since you founded IJPR, and how do you see it evolving in the future?

It is now very much a global job, rather than being restricted to just the UK. The budgets for promoting series on Netflix or Apple are significantly bigger than when working for the BBC or ITV. And yet, sometimes working for a big streamer can diminish the personal creativity that makes the job enjoyable. In terms of evolving, we are currently working on a new project to ensure that broadcasters and streamers can still reach younger viewers and let them discover new shows. Young people love watching TV, but they have often never even heard of traditional media outlets like the Radio Times, and they use social media to find all their content. Watch this space.

What’s next for you and your company? Do you have any exciting projects or plans in the works?

Inevitably, we’ve started to move further towards social media than traditional print publicity. Getting the cover of the Radio Times or Sunday Times Culture is still important, but younger viewers are increasingly using social media to discover TV content. Ultimately, we come up with ideas to bring an audience to a show, whether it is through radio or TV appearances, magazine covers, or talent interviews, and social media is the new frontier.

To find out more about IJPR, click here.

Mark Helyar, Class of 1984

After leaving Trinity, Mark studied music and English at Birmingham University, followed by a postgraduate diploma in theatre directing.

Mark is part-time Director of Theatre and has worked for Take Art since 2009. He is also a freelance director, musician, writer, and university lecturer. He has been artistic director of two touring companies and worked extensively

as a musical director, composing musical scores for ten shows.

His passion for development work in India, inspired him to write Rising from the Dust: India’s Hidden Voices and he has been employed as an arts project manager, facilitator and trainer in the public, corporate and voluntary sectors.

How did your experience at Trinity shape your career path and

influence your choices?

I was far from the model Trinity pupil and often near the bottom of the class in many subjects! The one area I really wanted to study – drama – wasn’t introduced to the curriculum until several years after I left. But I threw myself fully into the musical life of the school, performed with Trinity Boys’ Choir and led the Concert Band.

I particularly enjoyed music and English, which I eventually went on to study at Birmingham University, followed by a postgrad diploma in theatre directing.

Were there any teachers at school who made a particular impact on you and your development?

Yes, definitely: Wally Swan nurtured my interest in writing and theatre, and David de Warrenne taught me piano and composition. I found him particularly inspiring.

What challenges have you faced in your career so far and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge is one I face daily: where to direct my energy. I love focusing on many different disciplines: directing, writing, composing, performing, lecturing, business planning, the list goes on. People talk about work/life balance. For me, I’m not sure it exists; everything is interconnected.

So, my greatest challenge is learning to be productive and content with the one life I have, which often means making hard choices.

Of course, I’ve experienced the challenges familiar to many of us working in the arts: running a company; the endless pursuit of

funding and financial stability; managing internal and external politics; and so forth.

Dealing with these is about getting your head down, being resilient and maintaining a cheery disposition! And when things go wrong, I try to ask: what can I learn from this?

What are some of the highlights of your career as a freelance director, musician, writer, and university lecturer?

There are so many: being Artistic Director of two successful touring theatre companies, Proteus and West 28th Street, the latter being the first company in residency at

Fairfield, Croydon; meeting George Gershwin’s (alleged) son Alan while musical directing an off-Broadway revue show; and putting Sylvia Syms to bed after she collapsed in rehearsals for a production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Birmingham Rep!

I love working with my university students and always get a warm glow inside when I’m able to award them a first.

The scariest highlight must be the time I travelled to a volatile situation under police protection in the jungle of Odissa, south India. I was on a writing commission for Resurgence magazine to interview the Khondas’ tribal chiefs about

a controversial mining project that threatened their cultural and spiritual rights.

Can you tell us about your book, Rising from the Dust: India’s Hidden Voices, and how your passion for development work in India led to its creation?

Although I loved my work in the theatre, in 2004 I made a dangerous decision: driven by a desire to see more of the world, I quit Proteus (the company I was running at the time), sold my house and travelled to India. For several years I’d sponsored a young girl, Lakshmi, who lived in an orphanage in Andhra Pradesh. Through the charity I supported, I was offered the opportunity to visit her.

One thing led to another and my quest for adventure soon turned into a labour of love as I lived with street kids, became embroiled in a post-tsunami orphanage intrigue and was the first English person to

visit some of the remote villages of the Garhwal region in the Himalayan foothills. Six months later, I returned to the UK and, encouraged by friends and the local newspaper I’d been corresponding with, wrote Rising from the Dust about the extraordinary people I encountered.

How do you balance your work as a part-time Director of Theatre and your freelance work in directing, writing, and composing?

It’s all about juggling multiple priorities: balancing the financial imperative to pay the mortgage, for example, with the creative drive to sit and play the piano all day! I frequently get frustrated, then remind myself that I could be in a regular nine-to-five job and how much I’d hate it. That gets me back on track again.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career in the arts and entertainment industry?

I recollect one of my theatre directing lecturers saying that “if theatre isn’t a matter of life and death, you should get out!” I’m not sure I entirely subscribe to that point of view. But I would say that, unless you’re passionate about what you want to do, perhaps a career in the arts isn’t for you. There are many rewarding ways to enjoy creativity in your life without necessarily making it your job!

That said, if you know you wouldn’t be happy doing anything else and nurture an enquiring mind, be tenacious, make the most of every opportunity and, if you can, develop several strings to your bow.

How do you stay current and continue to learn and grow as an artist and professional in the industry?

I try to keep an eye on the bigger picture, continually scanning the horizon for new opportunities where my work can be meaningful and relevant. It’s not always in the

obvious places. I’m particularly passionate about Cultivate, for example, a programme I manage that brings local food, arts and rural communities together in south Somerset. The current global food system is pretty much broken; many people have become disconnected from local food, its provenance, and the substantial benefits it offers. By producing events, workshops and festivals, I’m seeing that the arts are terrific at enabling people to appreciate and experience the relationship of local, nature-friendly food to our health, the local economy and the environment.

What impact do you hope to make with your work in the arts and entertainment industry?

I’ve always been driven by the notion that the arts are a potent force for change and action.

I’m most fulfilled when I can make a positive difference in a person’s

life, whether that’s someone feeling uplifted by a production I’ve directed or more confident in managing their mental health after participating in a project I’ve run. And, if in the case of Cultivate, I’m able to inspire others to act and make a difference themselves, all the better!

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or plans for the future?

I’ve had long Covid for the past 18 months, which has an impact on what I’m able to do. Pacing and managing my energy levels has become a priority. So, apart from focusing on the essentials, other projects are on the back-burner. But I’m working on an idea for a musical and have another nonfiction book in the pipeline, both of which I will tackle once I get my energy back.

To find out more about Mark’s work, click here.

Malcolm Sinclair, Class of 1969

After leaving Trinity, Malcolm read drama and theology at the University of Hull and went on to do a one-year postgraduate acting course at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. After seven years in different repertory companies around the country, he made his London debut in 1985 at the Notting Hill Gate Theatre in Arthur Schnitzler’s play Anatole, which he describes as the first thing that got him noticed.

Since then, he has appeared with both the National and Royal Shakespeare Company and has taken on musical roles in productions including Privates on Parade and My Fair Lady. On television, he has been bumped off several times in who-dunnit mystery dramas, though he stayed the course as supercilious Assistant Chief Constable Freddie Fisher in Pie in the Sky. In July 2010 he was elected the president

of Equity, the actors’ union.

Looking into the school archives, I can see you performed in many school plays, including the lead in Cyrano De Bergerac and Becket. What impact did Trinity have on the career you chose?

It was the only thing I was any good at, so that helped. They were good plays and I enjoyed myself so much! I also realised that I could

make sense of words and make them interesting. One of the best compliments I ever had was from Mr Berthoud, who was moved by the final reading I ever did at assembly of the 23rd Psalm. And I had done it in that way so I would get a compliment from him!

Did you have any mentors or influential teachers at school who helped shape your education or career path? If so, how did they inspire or guide you?

Yes, Mike Lee, who taught French and took over the school plays, saw that I might be good at acting. So, I owe him a lot.

What advice do you have for current students at Trinity to make the most of their time there and succeed academically and personally?

God knows. Look after each other and any chance you get to do something, do it. I imagine school is a very different place now than when I was there.

What skills or qualities do you think are essential for success in the competitive world of acting?

Humour, a sense of self, curiosity about others, imagination, and a love of how people behave.

As an actor and former president of Equity, the UK actors’ union, what do you see as the most significant challenges facing actors in the modern entertainment industry?

The industry has shrunk. When I began almost 50 years ago now, most major towns and cities had

repertory theatres with permanent companies; that’s where you learnt how to do it. They have all disappeared.

Pay is not so good because Mrs Thatcher abolished the closed shop, weakening Equity and damaging permanently the incomes of actors.

You’ve had a diverse career spanning film, television, and theatre. Can you share some highlights or favourite moments from your career?

Very difficult to say. Most of my work has been in the theatre. Working with Alan Ayckbourn and touring the USA with Ian McKellen’s Richard III are a couple of highlights.

As the former president of Equity, what were some of the key achievements or initiatives you worked on to support actors and performers in the industry?

I tried to get the union and working actors and professionals working more closely together. Unions are there to prevent exploitation of young vulnerable people. We had some success, and membership went up.

What are some of the most memorable roles you have played, and how did you approach preparing for those characters?

The nastiest men I have played, and I mean really evil, were two Ayckbourn characters in Man of

the Moment and House/ Garden. I loved playing them! I also love Shaw because he is wise and funny; and a lot of people find him difficult to do and I don’t, so it’s probably just showing off!

Can you share any anecdotes or interesting experiences from your time as an actor or as the president of Equity that have left a lasting impression on you?

Nothing publishable, I’m afraid! I was once told that at certain meetings with Equity members I had a certain “lofty ennui”! I hope it wasn’t true!

As a prominent figure in the acting community, what advice do you have for aspiring actors who are just starting their careers?

It’s difficult to offer advice. I am not sure I would have had a career if I started now; I did seven years’ rep where I became the actor I am today. That is not possible now.

What’s next for Malcolm Sinclair?

I’m rehearsing As You Like It for the Royal Shakespeare Company. I’m playing Orlando, a part I played 45 years ago when I was the right age! Not sure how it will work out this time . . . Then, I think, a play in Chichester. So, at least I’m busy.

To book tickets click here

30 - Alumni Spotlight: Malcolm Sinclair

Talk to photography students by Andy Wickes (Class of 1994)

We were thrilled to welcome back Trinity alumnus Andy who gave a fantastic talk to our photography students.

Andy has a photography, video, print design, animation and interaction background and is currently the Digital Director of a boutique creative agency. Our students were inspired!

Andy shared some great stories from his career, starting out as an in-demand photographer in the Britpop days, capturing the culture and taking photos of musicians such as Justine Frischmann from Elastica and Graham Cox from Blur.

Andy then went on to develop his skills in CGI, and produced the CGI effects in the film ‘The Perfect Storm’ (2000) starring George Clooney. The students asked Andy what he wished he had learnt before leaving Trinity and he replied, “The pitch process. The idea of having to sell something. Particularly in the creative world, you need to be able to stand up in a room and ultimately convince somebody to buy your product. An awesome personality might be good enough if you’re Francis Bacon or Damien Hirst, but otherwise you need to be able to look somebody in the eye and say ‘this is why you need me’ or ‘this is why this is better than what you have got now’.”

Ross Ah-Weng (Class of 2021) talks to the Computer Science Club

Ross visited Trinity to give a talk to the Computer Science Club about his experience studying maths at Imperial. He shared some invaluable thoughts and tips on what to expect, and what he wishes he’d known before he started.

Overall, Ross’s advice was both practical and insightful, and the students were grateful for his willingness to share his experiences and wisdom.

Georgie Gillespie (Class of 2018) talks to ThinkSoc Plus

We welcomed former student Georgie to speak to current students about “Disney Princesses and Gender Representation” in ThinkSoc Plus, our extension society for Trinity A Level Religious Studies (RS) students. Since leaving Trinity, Georgie has completed a degree in International Relations from Leeds and is currently taking a gap year before returning to Cambridge to undertake a Master’s in Gender Studies.

Georgie spoke eloquently and fascinatingly about Disney princesses and gender representation. She started with the origins of Disney, and its context of American western culture, and took us on a journey through time. She considered the feminine ideals presented in early films such as Snow White and Cinderella and how they have evolved through the years with films like The Little Mermaid and Belle from Beauty and the Beast (with still troubling narratives). Georgie then focused on shifting narratives in Second Wave Feminism and the introduction of some multiculturalism with non-white Disney princesses such as Jasmine (Aladdin), Mulan and Pocahontas, all the time thinking critically about their stories.

Georgie finished with an open discussion of Third Wave Feminism and Intersectionality and considered if the new era of films such as the Princess and the Frog, Tangled, Brave and Raya the Last Dragon are getting it right or wrong when it comes to messaging to young people and the link with teenage fiction such as Wattpad literature.

The audience were gripped and what was particularly special was seeing the interaction between our recent leavers and current students and what they could learn or “unlearn” from Disney culture about their identities, aspirations and relationships in the future. Thank you to Georgie for her inspiring speech; we hope to welcome her back again soon.

Celebrity Music Recital with alumni

Paul Marleyn (Class of 1982) and Nigel Clayton (Class of 1979)

The internationally renowned cellist Paul Marleyn and pianist Nigel Clayton returned to Trinity to perform as part of our Celebrity Music Recital series.

Paul currently serves as Head of Strings at the University of Ottawa and is a sought-after soloist and ensemble musician, while Nigel is a Professor of Piano at the Royal College of Music, teacher of piano at Trinity and a regular performer on BBC radio and at the Wigmore Hall. The theme for the concert was the Slavic Soul and featured music by Prokofiev, Janacek, Rachmaninov and others.

Higher Education Day

Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming back 18 former students who are currently pursuing various undergraduate degrees in fields such as medicine, economics, law, architecture, design engineering, and more. The highlight of the morning was a lively Q&A session in the Mitre Theatre, hosted by Mr Aldridge, the Head of Futures. Mr Aldridge facilitated an insightful discussion, posing questions to the undergrads about what our current students should expect when they transition to university life.

The session proved to be immensely valuable as the alumni shared their experiences and provided excellent advice. Topics ranged from navigating freshers’ week, the importance of networking and making connections in the early stages of university, to practical aspects like student finance and budgeting. The benefits of group study were also emphasised, highlighting the collaborative nature of university education, which differs from the student-teacher relationship experienced in school.

Following the Q&A session, we relocated to the Sixth Form Centre where our accomplished alumni engaged in small group discussions with Lower Sixth students, imparting their invaluable wisdom and insights. This session allowed for personal interactions and provided a platform for our students to ask specific questions and seek guidance tailored to their individual aspirations and goals.

The event proved to be a resounding success, benefiting both the current students and the alumni who were delighted to share their experiences and offer support.

The Festival of Ideas, starring Paddy Garvey (Class of 1996)

Paddy Garvey, returned to talk to our students at this year’s Festival of Ideas. Paddy is a co-founder of award-winning Amsterdam based creative innovation consultancy, We Are Pi. He has created ground-breaking international work for brands like Nike, Heineken, LEGO, TED Conferences, Emirates Airlines, Honda, Coca-Cola, and entertainment for Channel 4, Guardian, and the BBC. We Are Pi has been named International Small Agency of the Year three years in a row.

Guest speaker at this year’s Prizegiving - Paul Godfrey (Class of 1990)

Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey, OBE, Class of 1990, returned to Trinity on the last day of the summer term as our guest speaker for the 2023 Prizegiving.

His love for aviation started at Trinity when he joined the CCF. On leaving school, Paul joined the RAF and he has been a fighter pilot most of his career. A former Station Commander at RAF Lossiemouth, most recently he was responsible for the planning and employment of coalition air and space power across the Middle East within the US Air Force Combined Air and Space Operations Centre.

In February 2021, he was appointed as Commander of United Kingdom Space Command. A truly inspiring alumnus who left a lasting impression on all who heard him talk at the ceremony.

Former Trinity Choristers sing Evensong at Ely Cathedral, Saturday 15 April

It was a pleasure to see our alumni join forces with our current Trinity Choristers to sing Evensong at Ely Cathedral, alongside many of the choir parents and other friends of Trinity. To be singing in the Cathedral with legendary former members of staff was joyful, with Chris Dowie managing to select the loudest stops on the organ to demonstrate the building’s wonderful acoustic.

Laurie King – the man with many titles - (Class of 1974), Trinity’s Alumni Ambassador and Archivist, and former Head Chorister, was able to have a relaxing drink and catch-up with everyone after the event, with many reminiscing and sharing their experiences as a chorister.

And we were overwhelmed by all the positive feedback! We will be back next year to sing with the Trinity Choristers. Save the date – Peterborough Cathedral on Saturday 6 April 2024.

Mitre Society Lunch, Wednesday 3 May

On Wednesday 3 May, the annual Mitre Society lunch was held at The Savile Club, a private members’ club in Mayfair. The event was attended by Trinity School’s alumni and friends who have generously committed to leaving a gift to the school in their wills. The Mitre Society membership automatically includes our benefactors, allowing us to express gratitude and celebrate their relationship with the school while they are still alive.

Headmaster Alasdair Kennedy, and Director of Development Jason Court also attended the lunch and thanked the guests for their generosity. Trinity is immensely grateful to all those who have chosen to remember the school in their wills, whether it is through a contribution to the Trinity Bursary Fund or for other essential requirements, as these contributions make a meaningful and lasting impact on future generations of students. We depend on the generosity and support of our alumni, parents, and friends to help us meet our most pressing needs.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can remember Trinity in your will, please contact Jason at development@trinity.croydon.sch.uk

OXO Tower Networking Event, Wednesday 26 April

A big thank you to everyone who made it to our Oxo Tower networking event. The team caught up with everyone there to hear about all the fantastic things they’ve been up to.

The guests actively networked during the event and were willing to share their expertise and insights with our younger alumni. Their words of wisdom were inspiring and got them fired up to achieve their dreams.

Our younger alumni had the chance to meet some amazing people, including fellow alumni, industry leaders, and potential employers. And we can’t thank them enough for supporting Trinity. Whether it’s been through their time, resources, or professional network, their contributions have made a real difference in shaping the success of our alumni and Trinity School as a whole.

Swinging Success! Trinity’s Golf Day at Croham Hurst Golf Club, 24 May

A big thank you to the alumni, parents, staff, friends and members of the Trinity Golf Society who took part in our Golf Day.

The event took place at the picturesque Croham Hurst Golf Club, renowned for its rich history and stunning surroundings. As the day commenced with coffee and delicious bacon baps, the atmosphere was filled with excitement.

With the sun shining brightly and the Croham Hurst course impeccably maintained, conditions were perfect for a fantastic day of golf. While friendly competition was certainly present, the focus of the day, as with many similar events, went beyond mere rivalry. It was an opportunity to foster connections and step outside our comfort zones. Peter Richards, from Return2Play, came out as winner of the individual competition, with the team prize going to parents Richard Hillsley and Jon Good, along with Christophe Vandamme (from the school’s caterers Holroyd Howe) and the headmaster, Al Kennedy.

Our grateful thanks to our sponsors, Holroyd Howe, Tribe Advisory, and Return2Play, whose support played a crucial role in making this day such a triumph. Additionally, we would like to express our appreciation to everyone who generously contributed to our raffle, benefiting the Trinity Malawi project 2023. Together, we raised over £750, thanks to the outstanding prizes donated by Surrey County Cricket Club, the Royal Automobile Club, Jon Good, ARC Racing & Leisure Group, Croham Hurst Golf Club, and the Trinity Club. Love golf? We’re already planning next year’s Golf Day for Wednesday 22nd May 2024.

Trinity’s Milestone Reunions: Commemorating Friendship and Nostalgia Across Generations

Summer has arrived, and with it comes the anticipation and excitement surrounding Trinity’s milestone reunion events. These gatherings bring together former Trinity students, offering them a chance to reflect on the past, reconnect with old friends, and celebrate the enduring bonds they forged during their time at the school. This year’s reunions were particularly special as they focused on the vibrant decades of the 1950s and 1960s, along with the classes of 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008. This year, we hosted two remarkable events. On Saturday, 17 June we held a small gathering for the classes of 1973 and 1988. Then, on Saturday, 8 July, we welcomed back the classes of 1973, 1978, 1983, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008 for a memorable reunion event. The atmosphere at both events was filled with joy and excitement as old friends reunited and shared stories from their time at Trinity. Smiley faces

were abundant, and laughter filled the air, creating an animated and nostalgic gathering.

Our 8 July event was made even more special with the presence of two former headmasters, Mark Bishop and Robin Wilson. The highlight of the event was the heartfelt celebration of Robin’s 90th birthday. In a touching gesture, the attendees presented him with a birthday card, signed by all the guests, expressing their warm wishes. The current headmaster, Alasdair Kennedy, led a chorus to honour Robin, adding to the emotional moment.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Tom Simmons and Dan Fearon, our official photographers, for skilfully capturing all the special moments of both reunions. To relive those memories, you can view the photo album by visiting our website: https://mytrinity.org. uk/photos-albums.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce our next alumni event, which will take place on Wednesday, 1 November at the historic Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in Fleet Street. This is a preChristmas drink and we extend an open invitation to all our alumni to join us as we continue to celebrate and share cherished memories.

To secure your spot at the upcoming event, please sign up by visiting the following link:

We are thrilled to see the strong bonds and enduring friendships that continue to flourish among

our alumni. Trinity’s milestone reunions are truly a testament to the lifelong connections formed during your time at the school. We look forward to the upcoming event and the opportunity to create more treasured memories together. Next year’s milestone reunions will take place in the summer, when we look forward to welcoming the classes of 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2009, and we extend an invitation to all year groups from the 1950s and 1960s. Let’s stay connected.

50 years of the Mitre Players!

2023 is a special year for The Mitre Players, as it is our 50th Anniversary.

The very first performance by The (reformed) Mitre Players was on 26 April 1973, when Charley’s Aunt took to the stage – two stages, actually, as we performed in different venues on each of the two evenings. Our cast for this momentous occasion were recent Trinity leavers: Andrew Thompson, Martin Tyrrell, Stuart Duff, Colin Warnock, Peter Witton and Dick Tricker, along with Coloma girls: Diana Dobson, Celine Murphy, Ruth Fletcher and Margaret Zemla. The set was designed by Richard Winkworth and “built” by the cast plus Phil Sowton, Nick Green, Richard Hyder, Dickie Mallett and Tony Britten. Others credited in the programme included Anna Zemla (now Warnock), Ian Croll and Graham Price. Memories, eh?

So how did it all begin?

Prior to leaving Trinity School, Croydon in July 1972, Martin Tyrrell, Colin Warnock and Tony Britten became involved in the Croydon Students Music Group’s touring production of Stravinsky’s A Soldier’s Tale. Tony asked Anna Zemla to do the costumes and here she met Warnock and Tyrrell for the first time.

As their swansong at Trinity, Tyrrell and Warnock masterminded the Trinity School Variety Performance, enlisting a cast of hundreds that included the school rugby team, the Trinity Swing Band and girls from nearby Coloma Convent Grammar School. This involved a variety of sketches and musical items choreographed by Andrew Thompson.

On leaving school, the friends felt the need to foster their thespian inclinations. Thus, they enlisted the support of Tony’s father, Gerald Britten, and Alan Swaffield. In March 1973, Trinity’s Sandison Room hosted a revue by these recent old-boys who wished to reform the Old Mid-Whitgiftian Drama Society (which had lain dormant since the

Included in the cast were Stuart Duff, Janet Stimson, Martin Tyrrell and Tony Britten - who spent the majority of one sketch asleep in a teapot. Audience members at this revue included John and Gillian Bartle, Alan and Heather Sexton, Gerald and Pat Britten, Alan and Joyce Swaffield and other senior members of the Old Mid-Whitgiftian Association (OMWA).

We can only assume that we were up to the required standard, as those in control of the OMWA did indeed allow us to reform The Mitre Players, using the Clubhouse to rehearse in. Our very first production, Charley’s Aunt, was performed on 26 and 27 April 1973 – at two different venues: Sanderstead Hall in Purley Oaks Road and Sanderstead Parish Church Hall in Onslow Gardens.

We continued to use the latter to perform in for our early years, along with the Stanley Halls in South Norwood and Trinity’s Big School (now known as the Concert Hall). Smaller productions were performed at the Clubhouse, and we still often perform there. The opening of the Turner Building at Trinity in 1987, which included what is now known as the Mitre Theatre, has proved a successful performing venue for us ever since then, though we did continue to use the Concert Hall for our annual pantomimes up until the final one in January 2010.

1987 also saw the first touring production by The Mitre Players and this has remained an annual feature of our calendar. The first five touring shows were staged at the Falmouth Arts Centre in Cornwall. However, in 1992 we were invited to perform for a week at the Minack, Cornwall’s prestigious open-air theatre. From then until 2018 we alternated between the Minack and the Shaftesbury Theatre in Dawlish, Devon. And now we have added a new venue, the Apollo Theatre in Newport, Isle of Wight, which also alternates with the Minack.

I am pleased to report that The Mitre Players is still going strong as it enters its 51st year, under the chairmanship of Ziggi Szafranski, and we currently have a predominantly younger committee steering us into the future. Some of us oldies are still lingering on though and are filled with pride and satisfaction to see that what we started fifty years ago is still being enjoyed by today’s members, young and old.

Further details of our forthcoming plays and musicals can be found on our website: www.mitreplayers.org.uk

It’s never too late – or too early – to join us!

Lucy Robinson, Director of Drama

Drama in the classroom continues to thrive, with more students than ever electing to continue their study of the subject when it becomes an option. For J-bugs, First and Second Year, they study a new topic every half term, with student favourites including puppetry, Lord of the Flies and Antigone. For these students, exploration of Drama is almost entirely practical, with elements of script work developing their understanding of characterisation, and devising opportunities instilling in them traits and insights that prove invaluable at exam level.

At GCSE and A Level, students are assessed in practical performances of classic and contemporary texts as well as the creation and performance of original pieces of theatre inspired by a choice of stimuli. We continue to be astounded by the powerful work students create, as they often draw on their acute interest in current affairs to imbue their plays with political and social relevance. At A Level too, students create their own original plays in the style of a practitioner, recently choosing the methodologies of Complicité, Punchdrunk and Paper Birds to inspire their work.

Tamsin Reeve, LAMDA Teacher

In the past five years, the number of Trinity students pursuing LAMDA qualifications has grown from 5 to more than 30. Students who are keen to develop their performance skills and public-speaking skills are excelling with over 90% achieving distinctions up to Grade 8. Those who have pursued LAMDA qualifications have gone on to study a diverse range of subjects at university including Music, Engineering, Art, English, and Architecture. The appeal of the courses is their wide-ranging application to everyday situations, and while the classes are still taught on a predominantly one-to-one basis, students are often supportive when they realise a form member is also taking classes, or when a peer has received an outstanding grade, or when occasional students have been invited to perform at the annual Drama Scholars Showcase. There are now similar numbers pursuing communications qualifications and performance qualifications, and LAMDA students seem to have many strings to their bows.

Exams are happening throughout the year in Central London, and while many LAMDA students are often involved both onstage and backstage in school productions, it would be wonderful to see more becoming involved with the Mitre Players. It was lovely to be performing alongside a couple of LAMDA students in the recent Mitre Review – some in their first and second Mitre productions, whilst my own involvement stretches back to 2005. The society is not only open to the current and old students, but to their families too.

Chris Chambers, Head of Drama Productions

An ambitious production of Shakespeare In Love in the autumn brought together students from across the school community to tell this tragi-comic tale in epic style, with live music and exceptional performances. A huge set, with walkway and Juliet balcony was built on-site and students had a hand in every aspect of production. The assistance of alumni and volunteers with links to Trinity have been crucial in delivering this scale of production –particular thanks to ex-Head boy and Treasurer of The Mitre Players, Alan Bishop (Lighting and tech!) and Di Jones (Costume and encouragement!). Both have helped on a number of productions in recent years, and I am glad that this has led to some crossover between the school’s keenest drama students and The Mitre Players.

For the Mitre Players’ 50th Anniversary Revue, Musical Theatre Club students (Ashvin Jeyanandhan, Ethan Thorne, Barney Sayburn, Senaya Wimalisuriya) rehearsed a selection of songs from alumni Colin Warnock’s musical repertoire and performed at the TMWA clubhouse as part of The Mitre Celebrations.

Two students from the Lower Sixth, Barney Sayburn and Robert Wilding, wrote and performed their own play, Letters of Last Resort for The Southern Counties Drama Festival at The Barn Theatre, Oxted. The play, starring Amare McDonald, was set on a nuclear submarine and explored the highly charged subject of what to do in the event of a nuclear attack when all communications are cut off. Barney and Robert, the writers, both received a nomination for The Adjudicator’s Award. The Mitre Players entered the same festival with Isla, with Mitre actor David Morgan receiving a nomination for Best Actor.

In spring 2023, our production was Holes, featuring students from the Middle School. The performances and dedication of students highlighted the exceptional talent coming up through the school as they dealt with the complex themes and settings with admirable maturity.

Last spring, the Mitre was transformed into the abandoned house of Medea, telling the story of the eponymous character’s unthinkable revenge in response to her husband’s betrayal and deception. Starring a talented Chorus of Sixth Form girls, this production was harrowing and powerful in equal measure.

And this summer the Lower School took to The Mitre Theatre stage, to perform in Lord of The Flies.

Look out for the autumn term’s musical spectacular of The Wizard of Oz . . .

For tickets book here:

Sadly, we lost dear friends from our Trinity community in recent months, and they have very much been in our thoughts. As we remember them here in this special In Memoriam tribute, we honour the unique contributions and lasting impact they made on our school, extending our deepest sympathies to their families, friends, and loved ones.

We invite you to join us in this tribute and celebration of their lives, as we keep their memory alive and honour the indelible mark they left on the Trinity School community in Croydon.

Mervyn Kohler, Class of 1965

Mervyn moved to Croydon from Scotland as a child. He joined Trinity in 1959 and threw himself into school life. He joined the army section of the CCF and captained the 2nd XV rugby and 3rd XI cricket teams. He was secretary of the debating society, sixth form society and Cove Society as well as being a keen musician and playing in the orchestra - a real all-round student. He left Trinity to study history at Durham University, where he met Liz Johnson, a fellow student. They married in 1970 and had two children.

Mervyn started working for Shelter in 1971, coordinating local groups in the East Anglia and Lincolnshire region, but quickly moved on to the Conservative Party, developing its approach to race and ethnicity. He was appointed OBE in 1984.

However, he spent most of his working life at Help the Aged, later known as Age UK. He had different roles at the charity, starting as head of public affairs in 1984, but was perhaps best known for his media appearances as external affairs adviser – a role in which he frequently articulated complex policy analysis on radio and TV and in print to help the public understand the human implications of issues such as fuel poverty, pension credit and care needs.

Liz died in 2021. Mervyn is survived by his children, Joe and Catherine, his grandchildren, Shay, Amani, Gemma and Elsa, and his sister, Jan.

Derek Thurgood, Class of 1965

Derek passed away in May after suffering from Alzheimer’s. He was a member of Worcester house and a keen sportsman at school, playing for the second teams in hockey, cricket and rugby.

He leaves behind his wife, Penny.

Air Commadore John De’Ath MBE, Class of 1950

John died peacefully on 10 April 2023, aged 90.

While at Trinity, he threw himself into many activities - army sergeant in CCF, rugby, cricket, athletics, swimming, tennis, debating, drama. He then went on to study at Jesus College, Oxford, following a RAF Officer Cadetship at RAF Cranwell. He was vice-president of the Achilles Club, for members of Oxford and Cambridge Athletics Clubs.

He leaves behind his wife, Sonia Brough.

Keith Long, Class of 1982

After suffering from pancreatic cancer for the past two to three years, Keith, also known as “Fridge”, passed away on 21 April 2023.

Playing for the Midwives was one of the great joys of his life. He loved the friendships forged on the lush grass at Lime Meadow Avenue. He loved the tours abroad with his great mates. And he loved telling of his first ever try for the Mids, a sprint from the 25 yard line, swerving past the opposition fly half and fullback to score with an elegant swallow dive in the corner

Keith leaves behind his wife, Jill, who has been his devoted carer during his illness, his children Heidi, Sam and Joe, his mum and dad, Kay and Vic, and his two brothers, Mark and Ian, as well as an enormous legacy of love, loyalty and simply that of being a thoroughly good bloke.

Dr Jim Goodman, Class of 1980

Jim passed away on 17 March 2023 having lived with cancer for six and a half years. Throughout his illness, he received life-extending robotic surgeries and other treatments that ultimately allowed him to maintain a good quality of life, despite the disease.

Jim was an active participant in school life at Trinity, being a cadet in the RAF, form captain on numerous occasions and an important member of the 1st XV rugby team. After school, he went on to study medicine at Birmingham University. He would come back to play for the Midwives as often as he could.

Following a move to Worcester, he joined the rugby club there as a player for many years and became president of the club later in life.

He leaves his wife, Jo, and his daughters Emily, Lucy and Hannah.

Dates for your diary

Autumn 2023

Saturday 9 September

Festival of Rugby Trinity School

Wednesday 20 September

Reception for Supporters of the Trinity Bursary Fund

The Stationers’ Hall

Wednesday 1 November

Pre-Christmas drinks for all alumni

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street

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Thursday 2 November

All Souls’ Day

Online

Friday 10 November

Remembrance Day Service Trinity School

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Friday 8 December

The Wizard of Oz, with a drinks reception hosted by the Alumni Team

Trinity School

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Tuesday 19 December

U25 Xmas Drinks

Trinity School

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Spring 2024

March

London Drinks

Friday 22 March

Founder’s Day Supper Trinity School

Summer 2024

Saturday 6 April

Evensong

Peterborough Cathedral

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May

London Drinks Event

Mitre Society Lunch

Wednesday 22 May

Trinity Golf Day

Croham Hurst Golf Club

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July

Milestone Reunion Trinity School

Wednesday 14 August

Past Parents Drinks

Trinity School

Designed by Tom Simmons - The Chain Agency

Artwork by Laurence Watchorn, Artist in Residence and Class of 2017