Tableaux is a long-standing and beloved tradition at Loughborough High School.

Every year, Year 13 students recreate early religious paintings in Tableaux Vivants. These are living pictures where students hold their poses, both completely stationary and in silence. The Music department provides incredible accompaniment, showcasing pupils’ amazing talents. Meanwhile, behind the curtains, a hardworking team of sceneshifters, staff and students, quietly manoeuvre sets and people!

The tradition is keenly looked forward to by Year 13 students, who also support each other backstage, together with staff, with sometimes complex costumes, make-up, hair and bearding! Last year, one of the girls playing Mary was in the same position that her mother played approximately 40 years previously!

Mrs Tolley took on the running of Tableaux in 2022, herself being an ‘old girl’, and remembers fondly her involvement and appreciates the great significance of this longstanding tradition.

Another tradition is the Friday afternoon dress rehearsal, which is watched by Year 7 pupils (they can start to imagine which part they will have when they are in Year 13!). The dress rehearsal is also watched by an invited audience of local elderly residents, and following the performance they are treated to a Christmas tea party.