Speaker Series: An Acting Dynasty
We welcomed our first family trio to the Speaker Series: Dame Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter OBE and their daughter, Bessie Carter.
Our acclaimed guest speakers joined a special VIP Champagne reception, where Mrs Paul launched our 150th anniversary campaign, before they took to the stage in Waterlow Hall. Pupils, parents, staff and friends of South Hampstead assembled to hear from three much-admired actors who have starred in Bridgerton, The Crown and Downton Abbey as well as numerous award-winning films and theatre productions. Jim and Imelda met during rehearsals for Guys and Dolls at the National Theatre in the 1980s. Imelda grew up nearby in Archway and acted at school before training at RADA, whilst Jim began studying Law at university, before deciding to ‘become an entertainer’ instead. Their daughter Bessie is forging her own path on stage and screen, currently playing the role of Nancy Mitford in Outrageous on BritBox, as well as being involved in production and casting.
In conversation with Mrs Paul, Imelda and Bessie described what it was like to play mother and daughter on stage in Mrs Warren’s Profession in the West End, which is now being broadcast at cinemas via National Theatre Live. Imelda also shared fascinating insights into working with Mike Leigh on Vera Drake, which won her a BAFTA; her joy at being cast as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown; and her preparation for the role of Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter films. Jim shared wonderful anecdotes from his own career: learning magic and tightrope-walking, his invitation to the White House by Downton Abbey fan Michelle Obama, and being recognised by his eyebrows in Manhattan… “Acting is the best job in the world – you get to laugh a lot.”
Bessie reflected on the challenges faced by the next generation of actors, with our audience applauding her recent decision to delete social media to prioritise her wellbeing. The trio were unanimous in championing ‘green time over screentime’, praising the benefits of reading, getting outdoors, and making real world connections in the community. Jim and Imelda are both patrons of Greenfingers, who provide life-limited children and their families opportunities to engage with nature, so commended the school’s 150th anniversary plans to add another ‘green lung’ to the city by developing the roof garden.
Throughout the talk and audience Q&A, our guests’ passion for their craft shone through, as did their down-to-earth family values, sense of equality, and commitment to hard work and giving back. As our Year 8 helpers presented tokens of our appreciation, Mrs Paul thanked our guests for their warmth and optimism – qualities that are hallmarks of a South Hampstead education too.
The Speaker Series aims to shine a light on a diverse range of topics and is generously funded by donors from our community, including the Friends of South Hampstead. Previous Speaker Series events have welcomed South Hampstead alumna and BBC Europe Editor Katya Adler; Dame Stella Rimington on her role as the first female Director General of MI5; comedian David Baddiel on antisemitism; and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe on her life before, during and after being detained in Iran.