In 1989 and 1990, whilst walls and borders were coming down in central and eastern Europe, here at QEH walls were being erected, more precisely the walls for the new QEH Theatre, built as part of the many celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the granting of the school’s charter in 1590 by Queen Elizabeth I. The 475 pupils, including about 100 boarders, and about 40 teaching staff had witnessed the foundations being laid and the gradual construction of the theatre over many months, and although building was not complete, Princess Anne had been invited, as the Queen’s representative, to officially open the theatre and unveil a plaque. So it was with great excitement that staff and pupils alike waited on the school drive for the arrival of Princess Anne. Once the unveiling was over, witnessed by the Headmaster, a few governors and the youngest boy in school in full boarders’ uniform, we all waved and cheered as she drove her Bentley around the school drive, coinciding with the release of 400 hundred yellow and blue helium-filled tagged balloons. About 100 balloons were reported found, the furthest in northern France and Belgium. Later that year saw the performances of the first play in the new QEH Theatre, Dogg's Hamlet and Cahoot's Macbeth, and so began a long list of productions and musical entertainment over the next 30 years. Here’s to the next 30!

PJK (Staff, 1986-present)


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