Gordonstoun students take to the stage at the King's childhood holiday home
Gordonstoun has put on a free Shakespeare show for the public at the childhood holiday home where The King occasionally stayed while he was at school.
More than 200 people from the Moray area enjoyed two outside performances of ‘The Tempest’ by Gordonstoun students at Innes House.
The country house was where the late Queen and late Duke of Edinburgh used to stay when they visited Prince Charles and his brothers Andrew and Edward, while they were at Gordonstoun. The school has a long-standing history with Innes House – a Scottish renaissance baronial mansion set in 5,000 acres - and the family who own it.
Owner Edward Tennant, a current parent and governor, is the grandson of Sir Iain Tennant, who famously accompanied a young Prince Charles on his first day at Gordonstoun in May 1962 (see pic). On Tuesday and Wednesday (24/25 June), Innes House was transformed for a senior school production for one of Shakespeare’s final plays about the sorcerer Prospero.Twenty cast and crew, aged 13-18 years, put on the show.
Gordonstoun Head Simon Cane-Hardy said:
'Innes House is an iconic venue, which has had a long-standing history with Gordonstoun stretching back to Prince Charles’ time at the school.
'So, it was fitting that it provided the stunning backdrop to an outside performance of Shakespeare’s The Tempest and we are grateful to the Tennant family for facilitating it.
'More than 200 people attended the free events and enjoyed a night of high drama.
'Gordonstoun is proud of its strong links with local communities, and we were delighted to put on these performances in service to them.
'It was fantastic to see so many people come along and watch the students perform.
'Hopefully, this will be the first of many theatre performances at Innes House - the students are certainly looking forward to treading the boards, or grass, there again.
'King Charles famously took on lead roles in Gordonstoun’s drama productions. A striking image of him taking on the role of Macbeth in the Shakespeare play made the front pages of newspapers in 1965. His performance as the king was reported to be outstanding and he was described as ‘the best actor in the school’.
:
'
My wife, Zoë, and I were delighted to be able to host the Gordonstoun Shakespeare production here at Innes House and give students the opportunity to experience performing in the open air away from school.
“It is a pleasure to continue the historical connection between Gordonstoun and Innes House and we look forward to the school returning for many more productions in the future and for the local community to continue to have the chance to witness the superb talent of these young performers in a very special setting.'
The Tempest is a story of magic, betrayal, forgiveness, and new beginnings. It follows the sorcerer Prospero as he conjures a storm to bring past enemies to shore - and to justice. Senior students performed the play with a bespoke soundtrack written by two departing Year 13 students.
Student Tigerlily Toley, who played the character of Antonio, said
'
Taking part in The Tempest before such a large audience was a really magical experience, and it fitted the show so well with the nature surrounding Innes House. Performing outside created an immersive experience and forced me to not only act my part but be my character, it felt like you were actually there in the story.
“The audience were so engaged in our storytelling, which helped to bring the community together to share a collective, unique experience and love for the performing arts.'
Student Alison Turner, who played the part of Prospero, said:
'
Performing at Innes House was just incredible. The scenery was amazing where we performed, with the giant oak tree, flowerbeds and the statues. It all just felt very whimsical and magical to perform there and helped bring to life the story we were trying to tell.'
June 2025