As usual, the School Choir rounded off the year and the Autumn Term with a sublime Christmas Carol Service. Although no snow fell, a strong seasonal spirit filled the Abbey, which was packed with pupils, staff, parents and friends of the School. Led by the Choir, under the baton of Grayson Jones, the congregation sang lustily, greeting the holiday with Christmas joy.

This week New Place is transformed into a space of mirrors and shifting doorways, of light and illusion, as Beauty and the Beast takes to the stage. This tale of magic, enchantment, love and family rivalry is given vibrant dramatic life by energetic ensemble playing by the whole cast, as some actors themselves are transformed from tables to magical horses. They move fluidly around the intimate stage space in New Place, developing a strong dramatic narrative, which is full of humour and deftness of touch as it progresses towards its moving climax. This genuinely is a show for all the family – a real end of term delight.