Last Saturday brought an emotional end to an extraordinary week in which we saw over 1,400 people coming through the doors of the Ben Travers Theatre to watch our production of The Addams Family. Six captivating performances with two talented principal casts and one first-rate ensemble.
Such talent on display! A 47-strong cast of pupils from all year groups, was accompanied by a 12-piece orchestra made up of pupils playing alongside professional musicians. The creative team worked tirelessly to ensure the production sparkled.
The performances were the culmination of many weeks of rehearsals, during which so many Carthusians worked so hard, learned so much, gave so much and shared so much.
Carthusians due to start at School in September 2025 had the opportunity to join us for a dress rehearsal, giving them a taste of school life. They showered the cast with praise:
Incredible performance, so professional.
Could not believe that the music was live, did not realise until the conductor took a bow.
Outstanding performances of a level much higher than expected from a school performance. Wonderful talent on display.
A tearful send off for The Addams Family on Saturday night as the cast and crew head into post-show blues after a staggering run. I am so proud of the entire company for their incredible work and for bringing the School together, under one roof, in what is the focal point of our calendar. The audience lucky enough to get a ticket witnessed the immense talent on stage. We could have sold the show out at least another six times! What a journey we are on at Charterhouse and the future gets brighter all the time. I am the luckiest man on campus to have this job and to witness the growth. Thank you to a wonderful team of people — cast, crew, and creative team. I will miss it immensely. Until next year!
Mr Dean Chisnall, Director of Performing Arts
Mrs Jani Lambeth, Assistant Head (Co-Curricular) shares her reflections and thanks:
Just when I think there is no more to give, our pupils have raised the bar again. The standard of performance from our casts, our musicians, and all the backstage crew involved in the show has been both breath-taking and humbling and, genuinely, I am so proud of them all. The warmth and strength of friendships that has grown up amongst this talented and hard-working group of young people shows that not only is the theatre a fun place to be, but that it is a place for everyone.
Now its all over, I think it is safe to quote Gomez and say that the pupils are feeling 'Happy-Sad'; sad it has come to an end, but happy they had the chance to be part of something very special.
I would like to thank Mr Dean Chisnall, Mr Mark Begbie, Mr David McKee, Mrs Helen Chisnall, Miss Victoria Skinner, Miss Christine Todd and Ms Emily Fox for all their hard work and support, and for having the vision to help the pupils produce such a wonderful show.
Congratulations to the entire cast and creative team for their nomination for Best Musical 2025 in the National School Theatre Awards. We await the Awards Ceremony in June.
It was a phenomenal week. And the photos speak for themselves.
