100 years ago, the first Tableaux performers took to the Loughborough High School stage under the Headship of Miss Bristol (1920-1940). Fast-forward to today, generations later, and pupils are continuing to uphold this longstanding and much-cherished tradition.
This year’s performance also coincided with the 175th birthday of Loughborough High School, making it an even more unmissable event. From newly commissioned music to a never-before-seen scene, the 100th anniversary of Tableaux was an incredible display of community, creativity, and tradition, which will likely be celebrated for the next 100 years to come.
Coupled with stunning, hand-painted sets, thoughtful readings and carefully determined lighting, the scenes have a bold and effective impact on the audience members. Angelic choral music is perhaps the key to this deep impact as scenes are accompanied by the LHS choir, formed of pupils in Year 10 and above. Following months of rehearsals, the soundtrack creates an ethereal atmosphere that brings all elements of the performance together seamlessly.
New for 2025, the Wilton Diptych scene featured alumnae from the class of 1965 to the class of 2020, some of which are also current staff at the Loughborough Schools Foundation. New costumes, handmade with a lot of time and effort from Jenny Woods (FFD 1967; LHS 1974), lit up the stage in royal blue and created a very special moment for the audience. It was accompanied by composer, Kim Porter’s, A New Song – a piece commissioned especially for this scene.
The landmark event has also been recognised by the media as Friday’s matinee performance was recorded by BBC East Midlands Today. Reporter and alumna, Emily Williamson (LHS 1998), revisited the School 27 years after starring as an angel in Tableaux herself to document the milestone.
For this special year we also invited LHS alumnae and guests to watch the service, with tickets selling out in less than an hour, demonstrating the enduring sense of community and camaraderie that defines LHS.
