10th Anniversary Celebration for Masterclass

On Tuesday 4 March, the Theatre Royal Haymarket, one of London’s oldest and most beautiful West End theatres, hosted a celebration event for the ground-breaking Masterclass programme, where our leading actors, directors, writers and producers come face to face with young people eager to learn the secrets of success.

Over 200 Masters and supporters gathered for a presentation and lunch. Maureen Lipman opened the event with a witty introduction to Arnold Crook, Chairman of the Theatre Royal Haymarket and the person behind the setting up of the Masterclass scheme. Arnold Crook announced that Dame Judi Dench has agreed to become a Patron of the programme.

He was followed by Sir Peter Hall, talking about the importance of the ‘passing on’ of information, ideas and experience. David Haig, currently starring in The Sea, talked about the Jonathan Kent season and the link with Masterclass through a team of apprentices. Director-in-the-wings Paul Hart, designer Lucy Minyo, stage-manager Simeon Miller and actor Tomos James talked about their experiences learning in the company of greats such as Eileen Atkins.

Paul Kirkman from the DCMS explained the department’s wish for 5 hours of culture a week for all young people in schools and was followed by a screening of a new film on DVD about the options and choices behind going to drama school. The Stage have supported the production of ‘Drama Schools, What DO They Want?’, which is available through Masterclass for £10.99 + P&P, from 11 March.

After a speech from the Director of Masterclass Suzy Humphries, the crowd were entertained by Past Master Ruthie Henshall, singing from the new musical Marguerite. A party followed with a wonderful mix of masters talking to many of the young Masterclass attendees, who were a vital presence on the day.

Masters attending included: Ruthie Henshall, Nica Burns, Elaine Paige, Nigel Planer, David Eldridge, Janie Dee, Bill Paterson, Ray Fearon, Prunella Scales, Geraldine James, Thelma Holt, Maureen Lipman, Michael Pennington, Helena Kaut-Howson, Debra Warner, Imelda Staunton, Timothy West, Timberlake Wertenbaker, Henry Goodman and Clive Rowe.

Masterclass receieved many wonderful comments from guests, here are a few:

'It was most interesting what I saw and heard and I enjoyed meeting some of your past and current apprentices. Please thank everyone for looking after me so well.'
Carolyn Keen, The Lord Mayor of Westminster 

'A massive thankyou for my invitation on tuesday it was such a brilliant afternoon I got some amazing advice...a fab party...THANKYOU!'
Clementine Wade, Masterclass attendee

'I just want to say a big Congratulations on the event today. I was really surprised and impressed by the amount of work that Masterclass do and was genuinely moved by some of the personal stories.'
Charlotte Somers, Dewynters

'Congratulations to all the Masterclass team for a lovely anniversary event on Tuesday. Thanks for including me over the years and I do hope that the work goes from strength to strength.'
Diane Samuels

'The celebration of the 10th anniversary of Masterclass, was a truly wonderful and uplifting occasion.'
Bob Mahoney, Producer

'Thank you so much for inviting me to the 10th Anniersary 'DO' had a really good day and it was brilliant to see so much support and goodwill!'
Gordon Fraser, Masterclass attendee