NADINE UPPAL THEATRE GRAND OPENING
We were delighted to welcome so many guests to the grand opening of our new performing arts space, The Nadine Uppal Theatre. It is a fantastic performance venue for a truly immersive theatre experience and looked superb last night, decked in balloons and photography of many outstanding LWC performances. The theatre transformation would not have been achieved without the generosity of parents, staff and Sternians who donated to make it a reality.
The marvellous Miss Reeks and her incredible team have worked night and day to deliver an outstanding evening of drama, music and dance. The audience were delighted with stunning musical recitals, magnificent drama pieces and wonderful dance routines, choreographed by Tracy Williams from the Surrey Dance Academy.
NAMING OF THE THEATRE
Nadine did not attend LWC, but she could have easily qualified as a Foundationer here as her parents divorced when she was young and then mother died when she was only 16. She had potential, she was clever, witty and brave. Nadine loved the theatre, Macbeth was her favourite play, and she adored Kiri Te Kanawa and big opera generally. She could also be a drama queen herself – no better reason for naming this wonderful theatre after her!
Sadly, Nadine passed away in December 2019, just 42 years old, after battling a long illness and is missed by all who knew her, but they picture her in an upgraded suite, with a party on the roof terrace to which everyone is invited! Nadine would have wanted this new theatre to be a happy place, where performers and audiences alike revel in the joy of the performing arts.
GUEST OF HONOUR
Talented Sternian, Julian Sands, generously gave up his time to formally open the theatre last night. He delivered a wonderful speech, thanking donors and remembering Nadine and then read an uplifting piece to the audience.
During his time at LWC Julian appeared in many school and House productions. He captained the School Debating Society, as well as being a front row forward in the unbeaten First XV Rugby team and was named Young Farmer of The Year in 1976!
Julian attended the Central School of Speech and Drama in London 1976 to 1979 and since then has worked constantly in Film, Theatre, Radio and Television. Best known for films (150 or so to date) including A Room With A View, The Killing Fields, Leaving Las Vegas, Boxing Helena, Oceans 13 and The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo. He is upcoming in Terrence Davies’ Benediction. Notable Theatre includes playing Tony Blair in the inaugural American production of Sir David Hare’s Stuff Happens and his 500 performances of A Celebration of Harold Pinter. He is currently presenting ‘Keats, Shelley, Ghosts and Lovers’.
