Millfield student illuminates Somerset landmark for NHS tribute

Upper Sixth Millfield student Sam Wardell from Glastonbury has been using his stage management experience from school to illuminate local landmark Glastonbury Tor on Thursday evenings after the national clap for carers. For the blue tribute to key workers, Sam places two small LED lights at the tower, with the effects visible for miles around.

Eighteen-year-old Sam, who joined Millfield Prep in 2012, has been learning the art of lighting and stage management with Millfield’s theatre technical team since his first production of Arabian Nights in 2015. He has now worked on almost 20 productions, including his A Level Drama Devised Piece ‘Iridescent’, where he designed and operated both the lights and sound for the entire show. The Drama student has developed his skills in the School’s 400 seat multifunctional entertainment space, the Meyer Theatre, which includes a professional standard lighting and sound desk overlooking the stage.

Sam is studying for three A levels in Drama, Photography and Product Design. Once he finishes his studies, he hopes to go to Falmouth University and work in the field of staging of events and festivals in the future.

Sam says, "I had seen some houses and Windsor Castle had been lit up in blue, so I wanted to do something bigger to show my appreciation for everything the NHS has been doing. I’m really lucky to have had the experience at Millfield, where I discovered my passion for theatre and learned how it all works behind the scenes. We have a mobile phone chat for the residents in the close and everyone has been saying they think it looks nice."