Meet Mr Gatherer

Meet Mr Gatherer, Director of Theatrical Performance at Mill Hill School. We spoke to Mr Gatherer to find out a bit more about him and his role.

How long have you worked at Mill Hill School?

I joined Mill Hill School in September 2021 and have thoroughly enjoyed helping to bring live theatre productions back to the school after the Covid-19 lockdown. The excitement from the casts and audiences has been electric!

What does your role involve?

As Director of Theatrical Performance, I’m responsible for all our co-curricular Drama. This involves producing our main events such as the House Drama Festival, musicals, and plays. I also organise other activities like Drama clubs and talks from visiting industry experts. My mission is to ensure that everyone interested in theatre, be it acting, stage management, lighting/sound design, directing or playwriting can hone their skills and follow their passions.

What is your favourite thing at Mill Hill School?

I could give so many answers to this question; it’s difficult to choose just one! One of my favourite aspects of the school is the community spirit among the pupils. Classmates are always supportive of each other’s successes and eager to lend a hand to a peer. The older pupils are never fearful to take on leadership positions and help the younger pupils through their time at the school. This makes the school feel like one big family, with everyone willing to take time out of their day to help support one another.

Do you have any advice for our pupils which could help them to get the most out of their time at Mill Hill School?

I would encourage pupils to try something they’ve never experienced before. It’s never too late to discover a new passion, and Mill Hill School has so much on offer that there is no end of activities to get involved with. I’ve had plenty of pupils over the years discover a love for performing during sixth form or even later, having previously never imagined that it would be something they would enjoy. Whether it be debating, coding, ultimate frisbee, playwriting, jazz band… Don’t be afraid to throw yourself into something new!

Can you tell us something that we might not know about you?

I was once on a popular television game show. The morning after the episode aired, I was lambasted by a national newspaper for being part of the ‘worst team ever’. Safe to say, I didn’t shroud myself in glory with my general knowledge.

What is your favourite book and film for our pupils and why?

I would recommend pupils read the play ‘Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons’, a profound but funny look into how we communicate and the power of words. I’d also thoroughly recommend watching the recent Oscar winner ‘CODA’, a beautiful film about responsibility, family, and finding our own path.

Do you have a helpful tip for our pupils to manage exam stress?

I’ll go with a classic – make a revision timetable. This will help you focus on subjects that need the most attention, as well as making sure you have regular breaks. It will feel less overwhelming when you can see the structure of your day and week.

Finally, Could you share an inspirational quote with us? How does it inspire you?

“Failure is not the opposite of success – it is part of it” (William Ritter). A look throughout history will show us nobody really achieves much without some kind of struggle. It’s the embracing of these struggles, and what we learn from them, that helps us progress.

Thank you to Mr Gatherer for taking the time to be interviewed. We are privileged to have such a warm, enthusiastic and hardworking teacher at our school.