Same production , 41 years apart

In 1983, Alistair Lyttle, then aged 12, played the part of Dr Livesey in West House school’s production of Treasure Island. Little could he have imagined that 41 years later he would be standing on the same stage, introducing this year’s school production in the role of Headmaster.

Mr Lyttle recalls the thrill of taking part in this production with incredible clarity, “I remember I was particularly proud of the fact that, although first night nerves got the better of me and I couldn’t pronounce the word ‘remarkable’, I had the wherewithal to replace it with the word ‘amazing’ and I was extremely pleased with my improvising skills!” Mr Lyttle continues, “I can also recall the hilarity of the moment when Ben Gunn burst onto the stage and got his wig caught in the foliage – classic schoolboy humour.”

He adds, “The excitement of taking part in school productions are joyful memories that stay with me, and I know they helped me to develop skills that went far beyond my acting abilities, which were mediocre at best.”

Mr Lyttle has been Headmaster at West House School since 2004, having ‘returned home’ to join the teaching staff in 1996, “I’m really pleased that here at West House we are lucky enough to have the resources to put the arts right at the heart of our school curriculum, which helps our pupils develop their self – expression and confidence, creating fine memories along the way.”

Mr Lyttle did offer the 2024 version of Dr Livesey, Hassan (Year 6), some acting tips but, after watching the magnificent performances from all the cast, felt that Hassan had done a much better job in the part.