Applause roars, deafening even those who contribute to its volume. Cheering joins the thunderous clapping as a cast of pupils retake the stage for the final time that night to bow. Grins and smiles are evident as whispers are shared amongst our young actors, a gleam to their eyes as they look over the audience before them. Finally, they leave the stage, the delight they evoked warming their backs.

This was the ending for each night in The Large at Mill Hill School. Performed to a four-times-sold-out audience, the company of pupils worked tirelessly to create such a fabulous stage show. The love for their craft – whether on the stage or behind the scenes – had been evident for all to see.

“This is gonna be just like senior year, except for funner!”

This was a truth spoken by our favourite leading lady in pink, as all definitely had a ‘funner’ time at the Legally Blonde production, performed by Mill Hill pupils.

The show, put on for four nights, was a complete sell-out. Described as ‘funny’, ‘professional’ and ‘amazing’, it’s easy to say that the West End version certainly had a run for its money. Especially when it had to compete with Mill Hill’s very own light-up disco floor which just amped up the atmosphere on several numbers.

Not only was the show popular to watch, but also popular to perform in. There were five different main roles which were shared between two pupils and the nights were split to give everyone their moment in the spotlight.

This included Ella K (Year 11, Atkinson) and Olivia D (Year 10, Atkinson), who played our Gemini vegetarian, Elle Woods.

Ella said: “Playing Elle has honestly been the highlight of Mill Hill so far for me. It’s been so rewarding to see the show come together after months of rehearsals. The cast has been incredible, the best I could ask for, and I hope that everyone can take as much pride and joy in their own passions as I have for performing. Thank you to everyone involved and everyone who came to support, it has meant the world to have the opportunity to perform with you and to you.”

Olivia added: “Without Legally Blonde, I would never have met such an amazing group of people. We all had the most awesome time, making fun memories and creating bonds with everyone. We're all going to miss it infinitely. Thanks, Mr Gatherer!”

Arthur (Year 11, Priestley) who played Emmett, told us: “Legally Blonde has been such a challenging step up for me personally, but thanks to the whole of the Drama Department, I've been able to experience this astonishing show with the rest of the incredibly talented cast!”

Pupils were applauded for their efforts on and off stage, as the company of 49 focused on the details of what makes a great performance. From American accents for our actors, to the costume designers ensuring each character had their own signature, Legally Blonde, vibe.

One audience member said: “It was great to watch how each pupil played their character compared to what you see in the film or in the West End. They made it their own and had fun with it; that was brilliant to see.”

Part of the audience on one of the evenings was a group of Old Millhillians who had attended, before the production, a memorial for former Mill Hill Head of Drama, David Proudlock. A note about David would be found in the programmes each night, remembering and honouring David’s influence and work during his time at the School.

Head of Academic Drama, Steven Pleasants, also commented: “Wow! Mr Gatherer has masterminded yet another roaring Musical success at Mill Hill School to the delight of four sold-out audiences. Quite literally the hottest ticket in town, Mr Gatherer and his ambitious creative team have worked tirelessly to stage a production which other schools could only dream of. Seeing pupils from Fourth Form to Upper Sixth work together with such support and harmony only reinforces the power of Drama and the very best of Mill Hill School. Congratulations to everyone involved for such a memorable production!”

At the end of the show’s run, Director of Theatrical Performance, Alexander Gatherer said: “It was an absolute privilege working with such a talented, passionate group of young performers. It was brilliant to see so many representatives from all year groups and Houses come together to create something, and the spirit and friendships they developed within their cast community were a joy to behold. I hope everyone involved is feeling incredibly proud, and special thanks for our amazing creative team - Miss Waterfield, Miss Revel-Chion, Miss Casiter and Ms Buckingham!”

A massive congratulations to all those involved; it was a brilliant week of hard work, laughter and a testament of having, as Elle Woods once said, ‘passion, courage of conviction, and strong sense of self’.

Interested in Drama at Mill Hill? Read more about what we have to offer.

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