Three generations of OMs involved in 'One Enchanted Evening' at Glastonbury Abbey

On Sunday 30 August, three generations of Old Millfieldians played an integral role in the very special event ‘One Enchanted Evening’. Some of the biggest names from the world of theatre travelled to Glastonbury to perform at the event which was held at Glastonbury Abbey.  

The singers, dancers and performers took to the stage for a two-hour West End-style show, to raise money for the NHS and health charities that have helped the local community during the pandemic. 

The event was organised by West End director and choreographer, Andrew Wright, and County Councillor for Glastonbury and Street, Liz Leyshon, both of whom are OMs! They managed to recruit the likes of BBC Casualty’s Evelyn Hoskins, BBC Proms West Side Story’s Jess Michelmore and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’s Jacob Fisher, to perform the big numbers from some of the world’s most famous musicals. 

The lighting was arranged by OMs Sam Wardell and Ollie Whittingham, who recently started an events business called Neostage in preparation for the ‘new normal’ of events returning. They provided and designed some of the architectural lighting on the Abbey Ruins on the evening. They both worked closely together during their time at Millfield, where they learnt a lot of their skills in the Meyer Theatre as students. Even the lights were in the Millfield colours! 

We had the chance to speak to Liz after the event and she said, “When Andrew Wright contacted me in July to say that the Government had agreed that outdoor performances could go ahead, and that we should “do something”, I knew it would be a bold plan. With the Millfield ethos of aiming high, honed by Andrew’s work in the West End, it was never going to be a small-scale production. The response from the talent of Somerset was astonishing, and between us all we managed to create an evening of musical theatre that gave joy and hope to so many people in this strangest of times, whilst raising money for our chosen Somerset charities.” 

Andrew says, “It was a night of optimism, joy and community. For a few precious hours we indulged ourselves in the pure escapism that comes from Musical Theatre. One Enchanted Evening was a lesson in teamwork, and I am proud that we had three generations of Old Millfieldians in the creative team; producer Liz Leyshon, myself and recent graduates Sam and Ollie. A night to cherish forever”. 

Megan, who is currently a student at the Prep School, also made an appearance dancing on stage! It was incredible to see so many from the Millfield Community participating in various ways.  

Ollie says, "It was a magical event to work on, with some incredibly talented individuals! We can't wait to see what amazing events and unique challenges the next year brings for us.”