The Macfadyen Shield
28 September 2012
It has become a ritual at Oakham that Autumn heralds the School’s major Theatre competition of the year - The Macfadyen Shield 28th and 29th September.
Since he rose to prominence in the 2005 film of Pride and Prejudice which was shot down the road in Stamford, the Drama Department at Oakham has wished to celebrate him – an Old Oakhamian and a celebrity. Matthew Macfadyen has given his name to a competition and to the prizes for the brightest up and coming dramaturges in the school and who it is hoped, might one day follow in his footsteps.
Upon leaving Oakham (1985-1992) Matthew trained at RADA (1992-1995) and enjoyed a successful theatre career. He later went into film and television. In 1998 he appeared in the TV movie of Wuthering Heights. During 2005-2010 his appearances include Pride and Prejudice as Mr Darcy, Comic Relief, Miss Marple TV movie, Little Dorrit, Robin Hood as the Sheriff of Nottingham and he was a regular in Spooks (2002-2010). This year in the block-buster movie Anna Karenina, and on the little (or not so little) screen – in Ripper Street.
These are just some of his credits, but what they represent to students of acting at Oakham is what can be achieved through hard work and the right training.
On a wall in the Drama Department hang photographs of our alumni and for each an epigram, Matthew Macfadyen wrote: “It all starts here.”
How right he was!
Look out for the results - posted here next week.
David Norell
Manager QET