Hollywood came to Battersea last night when film director Alan Parker shared his memories, jokes and insights with a sell-out audience of parents, staff and pupils in the Auditorium.
As part of our annual Newton Forum series, Mrs Fleming proved herself a natural in the role of Melvyn Bragg-style interviewer, chatting with Alan on stage in a conversation punctuated by fascinating, sometimes shocking, sometimes poignant film clips.
Sir Alan was welcomed to the stage by a musical number from a mixed choir of children from Years 6, 7 & 8 and a string ensemble, with a moving arrangement of Beatles classic, “Eleanor Rigby” into which, especially for Alan (who directed Pink Floyd The Wall), Mr Peckham had woven the chorus of ‘Another Brick in the Wall’ to good menacing effect. This was brilliantly effective, especially when Alan revealed that his first ever screenplay (never made) was a film version of the Eleanor Rigby tale!
“All of us thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, hanging on every word from Alan and Alison from start to finish,” said one parent. “Alison really should be in a television studio! Our children are so fortunate to have attended such a colourful and fun event.”
“The most enjoyable evening I’ve had in years,” said another. “It was absolutely fascinating and I think we all felt so privileged to hear such personal anecdotes and stories. Alan has that rare ability to make it seem like he was confiding in each and every one of us personally. What a coup!”
