Meet Miss Victoria – Head of Performing Arts

Meet Miss Victoria (Head of Performing Arts), often heard around school before seen. You will know her from the spectacular summer shows or fabulous performances (which just get better and better). Miss Victoria is another member of staff who has a personal association with the school.

Did you know the Performing Arts department made it to a finalist in the Muddy Stilletoes Best Schools Award 2023?

Hello Miss Victoria,

How did you get into the performing arts? 

I couldn’t do anything else!! I started ballet at age two, and I remember absolutely loving it. I have also always loved music and singing and went to a prep school with a fantastic music department. Sadly, there was no drama or dance on offer, so at age 11, I persuaded my Mum to let me audition for full-time Ballet School and I was lucky enough to be offered a place. At 13, I realised my passion was towards Musical Theatre, so I auditioned for another Performing Arts School and stayed there until I was 18.

What was your first day at The Mead like? 

Terrifying! My Mum was the headmistress then, so I had much to prove! However, the staff were so supportive and the children were all lovely. Being part of a prep school with a strong emphasis on music and the creative arts was terrific.

How would your co-workers and the children describe you? 

I dread to think! Ask Mr Harley!

What has been your proudest moment to date?

There have been so many I can’t pick one! I think maybe the top two would probably be my first summer show. I was so nervous about producing something on that scale, and I remember feeling so proud of all the children when it came together. My second was the first time we won the ISA Drama. It was with A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2016 and again, the children were just so incredible – I couldn’t have been prouder of them.

How do you teach the children to overcome ‘stage fright’?

I’m not sure they get stage fright! I’m always in awe of their confidence and eagerness to get on that stage! I think ‘performing’ becomes second nature to Mead children as they do it from a young age. They spend so much time performing at Trinity, in the church, drama room or music room. It means getting on any stage becomes the ‘norm’.

How do you decide on which production to show for the end-of-year show? Has there been a most memorable one?

We always look at the cohort of Year 6, which usually narrows down our search. It’s got to engage the children and suit their dynamics. The show must also be appropriate for all ages so all the year groups can ‘slot in’.

The year Mrs Culley left was pretty memorable. It was Singin’ in the Rain, also one of my favourite films.

Do you have any rituals/superstitions the night before a show?

No! I’m not really a superstitious person. There may be some rituals after the show, though!

What do you like to do outside of school? 

I love watching a good film with my family and my boys. Any Adam Sandler film is a winner in our house. I also enjoy eating out, going to London and running.

Tell us something we may not know about you.

I love a good history documentary! I’ve just finished an excellent three-part documentary about the Romanov family.