The stage was set for local boy and aspiring actor Robert, when a bursary gave him the chance to shine in the spotlight at Uppingham.
Before coming to Uppingham Robert was a very committed, conscientious and driven individual. The unique community, environment and world that surrounded Robert at Uppingham, and the support and encouragement he received, helped shape him into a resilient individual and gave him the confidence to be more of an open and honest communicator.
“I always knew I wanted to have a career on the stage. Coming to Uppingham with the amazing facilities, I was able to grow and develop, not only as a person, but as a performer. Coming to Uppingham allowed me to home in and focus on what I wanted to achieve, not only for the two years, but also what I wanted to do in the future.”
As soon as Robert started at Uppingham, he was cast in a school production and theatre played a big part of his Uppingham journey. Little did Robert know, that during one Speech Day performance in which he was directing, OU and Director of the Pleasance Theatre Trust, Anthony Alderson was in the audience and gave Robert and the other cast members the chance to take their show to the world-famous Edinburgh Festival. This invaluable experience gave Robert the insight into every aspect of running and managing a theatre company.
“This experience is a particular highlight of my time at Uppingham because it really solidified to me that that’s what I wanted to do for my job. I wanted to work in professional theatre.”
Photo credit: Dennis Freeman Photography
After this show stopping experience, Robert went on to study Musical Theatre at the London Studio Centre and upon graduating, he signed with an agent and has been working in musical theatre ever since, performing in many musical greats including Cats, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, 42nd Street, My Fair Lady and many more.
My time at Uppingham did shape me into the person I am today. I was encouraged to release my inhibitions, try new things and push my boundaries.