5 Years in Waterlow Hall

To mark the fifth anniversary of our state-of-the-art performance space, we reflect on the wealth of activities that have taken place since it was unveiled.

On Monday 27th January 2020, two GDST alumnae and stars of The Crown, Helena Bonham Carter (Class of 1985) and Olivia Colman, hosted a ‘regal opening ceremony’ for the whole Senior School community. When the doors re-opened, following the subsequent pandemic, Waterlow Hall swiftly became a hive of activity and the centre for the academic and creative life of the school. Over the past five years, hundreds of public exams, music concerts, dance shows, drama productions, debate competitions and open days have taken place. Our Speaker Series has hosted guests including Professor Alice Roberts, David Baddiel, Mishal Husain and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, whilst the oak-panelled space has also provided the backdrop for quiz nights, conferences, world-class symphony orchestras, and the filming of an award-winning TV drama.

This week alone we have hosted a public speaking event, drama rehearsals, a jazz concert, a regional debating competition, a Chinese fan dance workshop, and various assemblies and staff training sessions – just a snapshot of the multitude of everyday events that take place. The Waterlow Hall development was funded entirely thanks to the generosity of our South Hampstead community, who raised over £3.2 million for the project. As we reflect on the impact it has had for all our pupils, we remember, with thanks, all those who have contributed to its success.