We were thrilled to receive the above photograph from Andrew Rigg (G 1971-76) this week as a donation to our Archive. It is a wonderful colourful image showing the cast and crew of the Greek Play Agamemnon in 1976. In the centre front Andrew pointed out the 'irrepressible impresario' Charles Lepper (A 36-40) and former member of staff at Bradfield 1967-85. Andrew himself is seated far left and in his words, 'the sound and lighting man ... in the fashionable flares'! To zoom in on the photo, please see the image attached below
 

Notes from an OB newsletter in 2011 say of Charles Lepper that he directed 12 plays in Greeker which included Philoctetes (1970), Bacchae (1973), Agamemnon (1976) and Oedipus Tyrannus (1979). In Charles' own words he is quoted "Among the most vivid memories of my life as a pre-war Bradfield schoolboy are performing as a Suppliant in Cecil Bellamy's (SCR 26-53) superb 1937 production of Sophocles' Oedipus Tyrannus, and playing Juliet's nurse in his no less brilliant Romeo and Juliet in 1939 - both, of course, in Greeker. Indeed Cecil inspired me with a love of drama in general and acting in particular that have remained with me throughout my life. My most vivid memories of my eighteen years as a Bradfield teacher are of the 12 plays for which I was responsible between 1968 and 1979: four Greek Plays, Philoctetes (1970), Bacchae (1973), Agamemnon (1976) and Oedipus Tyrannus (1979), as well as eight of Shakespeare's masterpieces. I spent hundreds of hours in Greeker, planning, rehearsing and watching every performance - and I look back on every hour with enormous happiness: every minute well spent. And I have been a member of the Greeker audiences at productions by my predecessors, David Raeburn (SCR 55-58) and Anthony Bowen (F 53-58) (Greek) and Leslie Wilson (SCR 36-65) (Shakespeare); and of the many who have followed me, notably the first female Head of Drama, Hailz-Emily Osborne (SCR 87-98). So as actor, producer/director, and spectator I have found my life constantly enriched by our Greek Theatre. As I look back on my lifelong association with Bradfield, it seems to me that while the school's soul is to be found in its beautiful Pre-Raphaelite Chapel, its heart is in Dr Gray's (Headmaster 1880- 1910) theatre. Long may that heart continue to beat loud and clear in its renovated form for countless years to come." Bradfield has inspired many an actor or actress and I am sure many stage crews who have helped in the performance of the Greek Plays. Hoping that this brings back happy memories for you.