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.
“I have really enjoyed trying on the outfit and seeing how the scene comes together. I am looking forward to seeing the scene come to life on the night of the performance. Being a part of the 100th Tableaux is also very special because it has been a school tradition that we get to continue and be a part of.”
Year 13 student, Darcey
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.
Dr Lauren Wilson (LHS 2011), who currently teaches Classics at LHS, said: “I started teaching my new Year 7s in September and they will be experiencing Tableaux for the first time this year. They were really excited when I told them I was going to be in it so I’m looking forward to seeing their reaction to the performance.”
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.
It’s safe to say that this year’s Tableaux has been produced because of a momentous effort from all involved. With plans for the performance beginning close to a year in advance, no stone has been left unturned. From the creation of incredibly detailed sets to the meticulous preparations of the scene shifting team, the enthusiasm of student performers and narrators to the creation of a brand-new scene, 2025’s Tableaux was not only a celebration of a 100-year-old tradition, but also paid testament to the sense of community and camaraderie that has been evident within the School throughout its history.
