In the School’s chapel in October, pupils, parents and staff gathered for the first Horizons Lecture of the year, to hear a conversation between pupil and theatre tech enthusiast, Blake (Remove, HH) and renowned theatre director, Michael Attenborough (OW1968) – once a rebellious and work-shy rule-breaker and now a devoted thespian and fan of Shakespearean verse.

Attenborough began by opening up to his audience about his days at Westminster and how at first he had taken on the role of joker among his classmates. Intimidated by the academic prowess of those around him and unhappy with being a boarder, he turned to his beloved football for comfort. Things changed, however, when a charismatic English teacher, John Field joined the School and instilled in him a great passion for literature and acting. Initially he wanted to be an actor, but soon realised that instead he should focus his efforts on direction. He went on to study literature at Sussex University, where he was president of the Drama Society, and from there he had a string of appointments at ‘paperback’ and new-writing theatres, such as the Young Vic and the Hampstead Theatre. His career quickly took off and he became principal associate director and executive producer of the Royal Shakespeare Company from 1990 to 2002 and then Artistic Director of the Almeida Theatre for 11 years.

Harking back to some of the plays lodged firmly within his consciousness, Attenborough recounted the time he directed Jonathan Pryce as King Lear, praising his ability to improvise in rehearsal and to shock and enthral the cast and crew. He spoke about the power of Shakespearean English and how one line can say and mean so much. To him, Shakespeare’s work is unparalleled. He commended Shakespeare’s heroines, discouraging the belief that any of the famous dramatist’s female protagonists were intended to be weak. He talked about how fascinating it is that Shakespeare was able to write such enigmatic and relatable female characters yet never actually worked with women on stage. He expressed the sadness he feels for the loss of English vocabulary, and how its richness is not being preserved. And he drew his audience closer still by describing his father, Richard Attenborough’s memorial service at Westminster Abbey in 2015, and how an unexpected road sign illuminated with ‘RIP Sir Richard’ moved him deeply.

On the opportunity to interview Michael, Blake said: “The evening had to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of my time at Westminster. To hear Michael Attenborough speak about drama, directing and the English language in the intimate space of the chapel was an absolute privilege and a real treat. From Shakespeare to Bergman, the night was alive with Mr Attenborough’s passionate discussion of all things theatre and more. His advice to “open your ears” (quoting Henry IV Part 2) will long live in my mind.”

One audience member who was also photographing the event, said: “Although Attenborough claims not to be an actor, watching him speak is spellbinding – he’s a natural performer and he lights up a space. Unmarked by his family’s legacy, he has the power to make his audience feel entirely at home. Taking photos from the sidelines, he acknowledged me with a nod, and I felt duty bound to say “hello”, and I wasn’t embarrassed to do so. One can only imagine that being directed by him is equal to being taught by the enigmatic John Field who he holds in such high esteem.”

Forming part of the School’s Horizons Lecture Series, which is designed to provide opportunities for pupils to learn from global experts, Attenborough’s visit also coincided with the annual Fifth Form Elizabethan Festival week.